M1917 Furniture

[kenny18]

How do you tell the woodwork apart by the three makers ?
Ken.

Information

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[ssgross]

My arsenal refurbed Winchester has an R stamped into the end grain of the forend tip.

[fjruple]

Ken-- On the front of the stock is stamped the Letter of each manufacturer; E for Eddystone; W for Winchester and R for Remington. All original stocks will be American Black Walnut.

[pickax]

As well as above, there are subtle differences in stocks around the bolt/safety cut out. Winchester rear hand guard rivets are closer to the sling swivel also.
This is detailed well with pictures in "United States Rifle model of 1917" by C.S. Ferriis

[kenny18]

Thanks people.. Has E for Eddystone.. very dark timber..front handguard is a different wood.
Barrel dated 11-18.
Ken.

[1903Collector]

Thanks people.. Has E for Eddystone.. very dark timber..front handguard is a different wood.
Barrel dated 11-18.
Ken.

I think so, but I also heard that Eddystone didnt mark their handguards. However, each mfr created little features that are clear identifiers for collectors. I think a google search can further augment the insights already provided you in this string along these lines.

[GSM44]

Hi folks,
I recently viewed a 1917 Eddystone rifle with a stock that had no finger grooves, and appeared sanded with no cartouche or rebuild marks.
Did any of the manufacturers make stocks without finger grooves? I have seen them referred to as "Fatso" stocks.

Were rifles that went through an arsenal rebuild refitted with no finger groove stocks?

Thank You

[M94/14]

I think so, but I also heard that Eddystone didnt mark their handguards. However, each mfr created little features that are clear identifiers for collectors. I think a google search can further augment the insights already provided you in this string along these lines.

Eddystone most certainly did mark their handguards. The example I had, which was about as close to new condition you could get, had the "E" stamped on the tops of the handguards.

Probably, because of that they are/were easily worn/dinged up/sanded away/replaced, or otherwise made to be not viewable.

[browningautorifle]

Eddystone most certainly did mark their handguards.

Yes they did. Mine was also so marked.

[martin08]

"Stock. The three manufacturers, Eddystone, Remington and Winchester applied their initial, E, R, or W, to the fore-end of the stock. Winchester often also applied a Winchester Sub-inspector's number as well.

Stocks made by other firms were designated for markings as follows: N for New England Westinghouse, B for Remington Arms U.M.C. Bridgeport, V for Victor Talking Machine Co., and A for Wood-Art Machine Co. (4) this was after the Armistice, when contracts were being cancelled.

Whether stocks made by other firms were actually used on accepted rifles is not known by the author."

This information can be found on page 89, Ferris.