"The Owner of the Vessel Could Not Give a Satisfactory Answer...."

[John Beard]

ELK/etc

April 4, 1935

Subject: Springfield Rifle, Cal..30, M1903,
Serial Number 470868.

To: Commandant
U. S. Coast Guard
Washington, D. C.

1. Reference is made to 1st Indorsement from this office under date of March 15, 1935, file O.O.474.1/6444-ORD-463, concerning the identification of Springfield rifle, Cal..30, M1903, serial number 470,868 which was located by the Coast Guard on a civilian owned vessel.

2. You are advised that an inquiry of the various corps areas and major depots does not reveal any information in regard to this rifle, and the records of this office do not indicate that it was legally disposed of by the Government.

3. It is requested, if possible, that the rifle in question be forwarded by express collect to the Commanding Officer, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Mass.

For the Chief of Ordnance:

A. S. Buyers
Major, Ord. Dept.
Assistant

Copy furnished:
C.O., Springfield Armory
Springfield, Mass.