Springfield 1903 Mark 1 - Stampings and Original Finish Coloring?

[gregs]

I don't know a bunch about US military rifles but they draw my interest due to the history. I am thinking about purchasing a Springfield 1903 Mark 1 rifle with the Petersen cutout. The metal color has a dark green finish that has a slight satin shine. I was curoius if this is correct or is it suppose to have more of a blacker or blue coloring if it is original. What stampings should I be looking for to confirm this is an original rifle? The stock does have a "P" with a circle around it so I believe that means it has been rebuilt. No cartouch stampings or anything else visible. Barrel does have the SA with a date (can't remember) and the flaming bomb. I would like to buy a rifle that has most of the original parts. Rebuilds are okay becuase I know most were sent to the arsenals. I sure would appreciate your help. Thank you for your time.

GPS

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

The "P" was stamped on ALL rifles, either new or built that went through an armory.

You don't provide much information. The barrel should be a Springfield and, depending on the serial number, in the 1918-1920 range. The stock should be a grasping groove with a slight depression in the left side that totally exposes the ejection port. I have heard that many Mark Is did not have an inspection stamp.

The cutoff, when in the up (or "ON") position, looks markedly different than standard M1903 cutoffs. If you remove the action from the stock, there is a pawl-type device just behind the trigger.

[gregs]

My main question is what color was the original metal? Is the darker green tint with a slight gloss correct? And, what markings should the barrel have and how can I tell if the stock is original to the barrel? Any numbers or stampings and go together? Is it a good thing that only the "P" with a circle around on the stock means that the gun has not been rebuilt several times? Again, no other stampings are present. Is a cartouch or flaming bomb suppose to be on the stock if it was original?

[Rick the Librarian]

If you'll read my reply above, I believe it answered most of your questions.

1) The barrel, if correct/original would have an SA/flaming grenade and a month year date from 1918-1920, depending on the serial number.

2) The finish should be an olive-tinged charcoal gray

3) It should have a circle P just after of the trigger guard and possibly a DAL or WJS or WES on the left side. The stock should have a "notch" on the left side to fuly clear the ejection port.

4) The cutoff and other parts, if correct/original, should be specific to the Mark I, as I explained above.

5) The bolt could be one of 2-3 different varieties, again, depending on serial number - J6, J5, WL3, etc.

Pictures below:

[gregs]

Thanks for the information. i would love to post pics but i do not have the gun in my possesion. Again, I am thinking about buying the gun but I am trying to do my best to confirm it is the real deal. One concern, the color is more of a darker olive green rather than a charcoal grey. If the metal reciever, barrel, ect were refinished, I would expect them to be more of a darker blackish blue or a lighter dull grey like the M1 Carbines when they sandblasted them and refinished the metal. Would you agree? anything to be concerned about? Also, Can I check the bolt stamping number without taking the gun apart?

[Promo]

My M1903 Mark I is nearly black in color, with a green touch. S/N 1.172.9XX with barrel date 2-20. The original Pedersen Device parts are still in place. You can see the finish of the rifle on the three pictures. Sorry, they're all of a different date and therefore with different backgrounds

[Rick the Librarian]

It depends on how much "olive green" - it "too" olive, it may be a WWII repark. Look at the other characteristics, first and se what comes up. The marking on the bolt will either be on the top or bottom of the bolt handle where it joins the bolt body, OR on the bottom of the safety lug, located about halfway up the bolt body.

[Alkali]

Hopefully I'm adding something useful by posting photos of my Mark I receiver. Taken in natural sunlight; unworn, original finish (hopefully) appears to be a dark, smooth charcoal grey. Only a slight olive tinge appears in the closeup photo on the upper edge.

I might add that I'm somewhat "color deficient" (red/green) in my vision and have always had problems seeing and describing slight differences in finish colorization on all kinds of 03's.

[gregs]

I am going to look at the rifle again tomorrow. I will take some pictures. What stamping numbers should I be looking for other than the barrel stamping date, serial number, and bolt stamping? I will have one last shot at this so please let me know as soon as possible. I appreciate all of you guys. Thanks.

[Rick the Librarian]

I think we've given you PLENTY of advice and things to look for. Look over the things we posted, make a list and go from there. Let us know what you found when you examine the rifle.