"SS" on my 193A3

[André]

I recently bought a nice looking (and shooting) 1903A3 and am puzzled by a "SS" stock marking (left side, just above buttplate) that I can't find an explanation for, despite all my research. Anybody to help ?




Thanks in advance.

Information

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[martin08]

While I can't help with the meaning of the SS, I have one as well. It is in the same general location.

My example seems to be in near the same as-built condition as yours. Just curious, what is your serial number? Mine is a somewhat late build, 4200492.

[André]

My rifle's serial nr. is 35845**, made in '42 but the barrel is stamped '43.
Chuck, you're the second correspondant to offer this explanation. Being kept in reserve, away from action, might explain the general VG condition of the rifle and the absence of dings and scratches in its stock. I tend to give credit to the story.

Thanks to both of you for your prompt replies.

[Rick the Librarian]

My rifle's serial nr. is 35845**, made in '42 but the barrel is stamped '43.
.

Andre, you're looking at a date of manufacture table that is not correct. Your rifle dates to early 1943.

Use this table instead:

http://www.vishooter.net/ra_serialization.txt

[André]

Erased, redundant.

[Doco overboard]

For what it is worth ,my Father who once out of the Air Force managed government projects as a civilian for over 30 years (and after doing an unexpected weapons inspection of my stuff!) told me that the US stamp on the Butt stock of an 03a3 I own made him reminisce of when terminology was used like that when they cleared stuff away from like a dry-dock except they used spray paint cans to mark welding equipment defunct radio gear etc. that remained exposed to weather and when they were gonna get rid of things that were not deemed as sensitive or radio active. He said it meant usable surplus when I asked him, and that was it. This occurred way before I became curious about things like stock marks and I think he may have recognized the mark for what it is, a visual Que to recognize things that are still good, in abundance but in the way and need sorted out. Seems to me a lot of SS and US are also associated with a boxed ogek, they cleaned house one day?

[Chuckindenver]

Serviceable Surplus

[Promo]

Some folks would sell it as a rare German captured and SchutzStaffel issued rifle .....

[browningautorifle]

rare German captured and SchutzStaffel issued rifle

[martin08]

Serviceable Surplus, that is the first time I have heard. But then again, I haven't searched for the meaning in years. No explanation was offered last time I asked.

Was this done at Remington (from post-war surplus inventory)? After delivery to US Armed Forces?

I always envisioned mine as being a Sweet Shooter, but instead I left the original grease inside.