"...Was recovered at the time of the arrest of the person possessing same."

[John Beard]

Division of Investigation
U.S. Department of Justice

Post Office Box 812
Chicago, Illinois

January 28, 1935.

Chief of Ordnance,
War Department,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:-

In connection with an investigation being conducted by this office, one Army Springfield Rifle, calibre .30, model 1903, serial No. 74061, was recovered at the time of the arrest of the person possessing same.

Lieutenant Colonel A. G. Gillespie, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois, who states that the Arsenal has no record of issue or sale of this rifle, suggested that this office communicate with you in order that you may circularize the various depots and establishments maintaining serial number records, with a view to tracing this gun. Will you be kind enough to do this at your earliest opportunity.

In replying please refer to our file #26-5945.

Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Very truly yours,

s/s M. H. Purvis

M. H. PURVIS
Special Agent in Charge.

RHH:EHC

Information

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[John Beard]

ELK/etc

March 19, 1935

Mr. M. H. Purvis
Special Agent in Charge
U. S. Department of Justice
Post Office Box 812
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Sir:

I am directed by the Chief of Ordnance to further reply to your letter of January 28, 1935, file O.O.474.1/6428, your file 26-5945, concerning the identity of Springfield rifle, Cal..30, M1903, serial number 74,061.

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.

It is requested, if possible, after this rifle has served its purpose in any case pending under your jurisdiction that it be forwarded by express collect to the Commanding Officer, Rock Island, Ordnance Depot, Rock Island, Illinois.

Very truly yours,

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

Copy furnished:
C.C., Rock Island Ord. Depot.
Rock Island, Illinois

[Michael Petrov]

M. H. PURVIS, Now there is a well know name from the past.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melvin_Purvis

[Jim Tarleton]

Poor Marvin, he attracted too much attention and it cost him his job and his life.
Success can be costly, as it was for Fritz Wise. He paid the price for Harbord's stupidity, and even today he is still blamed for another man's foolishness.

A lot of people seemed to get arrested in those days with 1903's. They must have been relatively available.

Jim

[Calif-Steve]

Purvis was too good to last with that nut-job Hoover. Pink dress!