M1917 Parts Markings

[AlReiter]

This is the first M1917 I've owned and am interested in the manufacturer's markings on the parts. Not sure wher to look on the parts, but so far I have found the following:
Safety: E
Bolt Sleeve: E
Bolt Body (on underside of handle): N5
Bolt Stop: E
The cartouche on the stock appears to be "S G M" in a box. The box appears to be a bit longer than these letters so there could be another letter that is being obscured by a ding.
Where can I find documentation on the various manufacturer's marks for the parts and what would be original for this rifle ((SN 378xxx)?
TIA

Information

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[KevinB]

Depends on the make of your rifle. E is for Eddystone, R for Remington, W for Winchester (the maker is next to the serial number on the chamber ) You have several Eddystone parts on the rifle. If you look at the end of the stock just under the muzzle you may see one of the three letters pressed in the wood, this mark indicates the manufacturer of the stock. It's common to find a mix of parts from different manufacturers on rifles that have been repaired or rebuilt. The mark on the stock may be a US inspector stamp applied when the rifle was inspected at a repair facility. Or it may be applied by an allied government as many M1917s were sent as aid to the Allies. Pictures may clarify the stamp. Hope this helps.

[Bolo Badge]

I believe your bolt was made by Winchester. The "N5" is in reality the letters "NS"; indicating it was made with nickel steel.

[AlReiter]

Mine is an Eddystone so I was glad to see the "E" parts on it. Would there be a manufacturer mark on the bolt also? If so, where will I find it? Are all parts marked?

[Dan Wilson]

The original bolts are all marked on the UNDERSIDE of the bolt handle (disregard any marks on the top of the handle as they will either be extranious marks or WWII replacement manufactureres marks.

Here is a shot of all three original makers marks on the bolt handles.

Dan

[Calif-Steve]

There is a "W" stamped on the bolt, look for it. Is the rifle a Winchester? Who made it?

[AlReiter]

The rifle is an Eddystone. Where on the bolt would the manufacturer's mark be? I'll try to take some pictures later. I'm in the middle of a remodeling job and am not sure how to use the macro feature on my camera.
After looking more closely, the N5 is indeed NS. Also just found what may be a rather large W on the under side of the bolt handle closer to the handle knob, so the bolt is probably Winchester. Is the Winchester W sans-seriff? Did Eddystone make their own bolts or did they use Winchester bolts?

[AlReiter]

Just found a W on the end of the stock also. Did Eddystone make stocks or use Winchester Stocks?

[KevinB]

An Eddystone rifle came from the factory with an E, they didn't use Winchester stocks. However, you may be in luck as a "W" Winchester stock is much more rare than an "E" Eddystone so it may be possible to trade it for a Winchester.

[Bolo Badge]

Like you I have an Eddystone. It is a great rifle and as accurate as any M1903 I have used. If you would like to learn as much as possible about it I recommend you obtain a copy of "United States Rifle Model of 1917",by C.S. Ferris. Scott Duff should have it, if not try the CMP bookstore. It is probably the best reference available regarding this great rifle.