M1917 Questions

[miketuite]

This is a Remington rifle, serial number 412,685. I believe it was manufactured in 1918. The receiver and bolt are Remington. Most of the other parts that can be seen without a detailed break-down are Eddystone with a couple of Winchesters for good measure.

There are a couple of things about the rifle that I’d like to get some knowledgeable help on.

1. On top of the barrel, behind the front sight, are the numbers “7” and “8.” There is no evidence of a “1” in front of the “8.” As the picture below shows, the numbers are quite far apart. The manufacturer’s mark and the flaming bomb are not present above the numbers. Where they should be looks like small patches of pitting that appear elsewhere on the rifle. Under strong magnification, there are small striations that suggest grinding. They are very small, though. What might be going on here? Is there a reason why someone would grind those marks off? What about the “missing 1” before the “8?”

2. On the bottom of the barrel at the breech end, there are some numbers and letters (see picture below.) Do they have known meaning?

3. The stock has absolutely no markings on it whatsoever. Other than a couple of gouges, the wood looks like new. There is no wear anyplace. Could this stock be an arsenal replacement? A commercial replacement? I would think it was put right into storage after the original stock was replaced, right?
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Information

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[Chuckindenver]

id bet this is a sporterized rifle that someone restored back to military , you can see were a hunting type sight was at some time, and the grinding markes when they removed solder, stock is likely a post war new replacement..
barrels is a Remington, you can see a little of the R, likely almost removed when the removed the other sight.

[miketuite]

Chuck,

Good information. I never thought about a conversion job. Where to you see the evidence of a hunting sight?

Thanks,


Mike

[miketuite]

Chuck,

Never mind. I read your post more thoroughly and I understand your point about the hunting sight.

Thanks again,

Mike

[Patrick Chadwick]

Chuck is quite right, and a barrel date of 7-18 is appropriate for a Remington barrel 4xx,xxx.
See Ferris "United States Rifle Model of 1917" - P.85


Patrick

[miketuite]

Thank you, Patrick. Any idea why it's "7 - 8" rather than "7 - 18?" I can't find any evidence of a missing 1.

Mike

[Chuckindenver]

when who ever removed the solder the removed the 1 as well as the bomb, and most of the R..look close at your picture, you can see the grinding marks,

[Patrick Chadwick]

As Chuck said!

[miketuite]

Thank you, gentlemen. Mystery (to me) solved!

Mike