1903 Mark I time capsule **PICS**

[jjjxlr8]

This 1903 Mark I, after being rebuilt by the Rock Island Arsenal, was purchased through the DCM in 1949 for $15. It's been in a preservative grease ever since.

Still has the original shipping box and paperwork, including the canceled money order used for purchase! I find it quite amazing that the paperwork and box have survived all these years.

I'm not sure if I'm going to remove any of the cosmoline, or not. It really looks hideous with all the gunk all over it. There's a beautiful 1903 under all that nastiness!




















Original hang tag wire...








Newspaper from 194? and shreds are cardboard backing are stuck with preservative to the buttstock...


original 1919 barrel...


bolt still wrapped in grease paper...

Information

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[Badger]

Great piece of history ..

Thanks for posting the pics...

Regards,
Doug

[jburg318]

I am curious about this. My 03A3 rifle was a DCM purchase from 1961 and also states on the certificate that is unserviceable. I obtained it in correct configuration and doesn't look to have been refinished (i.e. all parts that should be blued are blued). Additionally, the weapon functions flawlessly. It is however stamped US on the stock which I have been told stands for unserviceable. (There was an SS stamp for serviceable stock) Does the stock have the US stamp? It should be on the left hand side of the stock near the buttplate (at least thats where the stamp on my stock is stamped) Also, does it look like there are any parts missing?

Jon

[Claven2]

I'm assuming the U/S was either due to obsolescence or bore gauging. If it were mine, I'd clean it up, but leave pics of it in the grease, dated, in the shipping box a s a record.

[Calif-Steve]

They were all graded as "Unserviceable" and sold as is where is. Long story, one of my friends drove over to Toole Army Depot to pick up his DCM '03-A3. He saw a buddy at the arms room cage and his friend said, "sit down hthis will be a few minutes." The buddy walks up to the cage with an '03-A4, he removes the scope and bandsaws it in half. He hands my friend the rifle and off he went.

[browningautorifle]

The box even states unserviceable...

[CptEnglehorn]

very nice, id leave that just as found.

[enbloc8]

"Unserviceable" simply meant it hadn't been inspected before being released. "Serviceable" cost a few dollars more to have the arsenal inspect it first.

[browningautorifle]

"Unserviceable" simply meant it hadn't been inspected before being released

Exactly. Means "As is".

[jjjxlr8]

I'm really torn on whether or not to leave all of the cosmoline on the stock.