Interesting 1903 rifle case

[RCS]

This case came back from WW2 from an armorer in the US Army in Europe. I know it is a WW1 case with the leather flap but also noticed the later markings. Could this have been used for a sniper rifle ?

Information

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[Bill Ricca]

i have never seen this one. It may be like the carbine case from years ago. There was a strange part number and nobody had ever seen the case that was questioned. It was marked for the carbine. After doing some research we found it was actually assigned to a Armored Vehicle.

This case may be the same but I would want proof that it is a rifle case. There were also some unique cases assigned to aircraft. Both the Armored Vehicle and Aircraft cases turned out to be very rare and unique.

How do you know it is WWI? The number system you see was around in early days of WWII and some of the Grenade Launchers had that number format on record.

Whatever the case it, it would be neat to find out the history.

[RCS]

Attn: Bill Ricca, here is what I have since found out about this rifle case, it is for the Model 1918 BAR and the 20-17-67 is a WW1 stencil, the later stencil is WW2.

Also had an email from Jim Ballou who also said it is a Model 1918 BAR case and can be used with the early flashider. You could use the M1903 rifle in this case but the case is four inches longer then the M1903. This case was made during WW1.

[Bill Ricca]

i know Jim and he researched the BAR. Neat item!

Lucky you.

[RCS]

Jim Ballou also identified this case colored BAR magazine follower as being developed by Seymour during WW2 - do not think many got into the system

[Bill Ricca]

I sent Jim a variety of magazines and other accessories while he was writing his book. I have only 3 or 4 of them, out of several hundred magazines.

I have had new in wrap Seymour magazines from WWII, but they were all totally blued. So I guess the case hardened followers were either an early part of production, or a small magazine or follower contract. Don;t know for sure.

[RCS]

Jim Ballou also identified a BAR 1918A1 bipod that I got from Pete Michaels many years ago, I kind of thought it a BAR by the drawing numbers.

The case colored heat treated Seymour follower was thought to improve feeding and last longer than the normal follower, Jim has three of them. I found mine in the spare parts when I was an armorer so they get into the system