My Eddystones P1914 and M1917

[Mikesm44]

"That isn't Parkerizing. That's black or grayish. Is it a grey paint? I'll bet the 1917 was a parade rifle for a VFW and they chromed it."

Agreed with the fact that there is some kind of additional coating on the surface. but not with the "parade rifle".

Take a very slow look at the backsight "ears". The profile seems not quite right to me. Flats at the front and top (not clear) where there should be curves. I have a suspicion that these may be welded-on replacements, and the refinishing hides the joint. Bubba strikes again? I hope not.

How about a couple of close-ups of the ears - from the side, front and back, so that we can all form an opinion?


P.S. Also take a look at the foresight. The extra surface was applied over everything, without properly cleaning the metal beforehand, so it has not taken in the pits and the cross-hatching of the foresight ears, block and blade. And the front surface between the ears is just plain tatty. Not a professional job, but another hint in the direction of John Q. Bubba. It doesn't matter who did it - it looks nasty and I would strip it off!


P.P.S. In the very first photo, of the two rifles taken from the right, look at the inside of the front of the left backsight ear. Is that a weld joint?

Let me know what else I should photograph.

[browningautorifle]

So...it's either grey paint or chrome that's now matt finish, but I'm sure that's not Parkerizing. Have you examined the mortise slot on the bayonet to see if it's plugged? Otherwise it must be the additional material that's keeping the bayonet off the mounts.

[Patrick Chadwick]

OK, what I thought might be a weld joint was just a shadow cast by the backsight leaf.


But I would still remove the cruddy pseudo-Parkerizing - if possible!!! It contrasts violently with the "matured" wood of the stock.

[browningautorifle]

Agreed, whatever it is has to go.

[Chuckindenver]

as i said before,.
Chrome plate, that someone sand blasted to dull the finish..

[browningautorifle]

Finally...

[Mikesm44]

I spoke with the previous owner. He said when he got it from the CMP it had the finish it as on it, so whatever it is has been on it for awhile.

[browningautorifle]

So it likely was a VFW parade rifle because they'd get them back and dispose of them. The chrome can be glass bead blasted off, I've done lots like that. Then it could be parked and look new...refer to Chuckindenver for more info...

[jamie5070]

Is it hanging up on the muzzle or on the bayonet lug?

[Aragorn243]

I know I'm bucking the trend here but I like the way it looks. I know it's not original and it wouldn't do for displaying as an example of what they should look like but take away the "bubba" factor and look at it as just a rifle and it's pretty sharp.