1903 Buttstock cleaning kit Question ?

[Bill Ricca]

The plastic one is correct for the 03-A3.

Correct for us, as collectors. We like to dress items up according to dates. But that is not the reality of the supply system. Both items were in use through the 1960's and what was issued depended upon what was in the supply system of the local unit.

Back in the 1970's I got a large bid of Nickle Brass oilers and several had the M10 (Garand item) cleaning rod handle inside, both early and late types, indicating the oilers were issued after 1962, the first date of the late M10 handle.

In reality both the 03 and 03A3 could have been issued either one, once the plastic one was in existence circa mid to late 1943.

BTW the plastic thong case was produced again in 1958 in support of the M10 Cleaning Rod system.