1903 Bolt Number

[Col.Colt]

Looking at a 1903 that a LGS has for sale. I have dated it to 1937. It looks to be in good shape an original. My question is should there be any numbers on the bolt like the serial number or something?

Information

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[m1903rifle]

If the rifle is one of the National Match versions, the serial number could be etched on the bolt ( if it has it's original bolt ). All other rifles would not have the serial number on the bolt. What is the serial number? A lot of the M1903 rifles produced in 1937 would have been National Match rifles.

[Col.Colt]

How can you tell if it was a national match other then then having the serial number on the bolt?

[Col.Colt]

Here are some photo's. Let me know what you guys think.

[Col.Colt]

Here is one more

[Rick the Librarian]

The common characteristics of a later National Match M1903:

1) the barrel should be star gauged - a "turtle" on the 6 o'clock position of the muzzle crown; also a registration number just forward of the receiver end of the barrel on top (NOT on the side)

2) The bolt should be etched with the serial number of the rifle, as mentioned; the bolt should be polished

3) The stock should be marked on the bottom near the lower but swivel with the serial number of the rifle

4) The "raceway" (the chamber's left wall) should be polished; the "rib" of the follower should be polished.

5) The rifle would probably have a coarse buttplate

6) The inspection stamp would be most likely an SA/SPG (Stanley P. Gibbs)

--Keep in mind that some of these characteristics can be faked.

--Most receivers made in the later 30s were made as low numbered replacements, not National Match rifles.

--Most NM serial numbers are mentioned in Springfield Research Service records; those that aren't but which show the above characteristics may have been purchased by members of the military.

[Cosine26]

The bolt sleeve is Smith-Corona.
FWIW

[Rick the Librarian]

Unless it is a "recovered" NM rifle that was later put to service use, it doesn't have any of the characteristics I can see. Serial number and barrel date, for starters? The only thing I can see is a (possible) pre-war Type C stock, but those were used as replacements on lots of non-NM rifles.

[Col.Colt]

Since it is not a NM gun dose it otherwise look original? The barrel looks good, rifling is sharp. Just curious what kind of value you guys would put on it?

[Rick the Librarian]

Can you provide some information? You can't see much from the pictures.

1) Serial number or part

2) Barrel date

3) stock markings

4) bolt markings

It looks like It has been refinished and has mixed parts. If such is the case, probably in the $700-800 range, assuming that is a pre-war Type C stock.