M1905 Ross Rifle

[mr68gto]

Hello, I just found this forum through a search about the M1905 Ross Rifle. I hope this is the right place to post. thanks.

I have a relative whose spouse passed and she found he had a small collection of guns. She asked me about them but I'm not well versed outside of modern weapons. Based on my online research is an M1905 Ross Rifile Mk II with the U.S. surcharge markings on it. It appears completely unaltered (to my eyes) which I understand is pretty unusual for these. Also appears to be in good shape. Fortunately, I checked each of the firearms she found and this one was one that was loaded/chambered and ready to go sitting in a closet.

Does anyone have ideas on what the worth of this rifle might be --- she wants to move these out of her house --- and I don't want her to give them away.

I have attached 3 pictures.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

You can always work with the moderators here and they'll fit your pics to the forum. We need lots of clear pics to be able to help effectively. Welcome to the forum.

[mr.e moose]

Start with a full length picture of the rifle. That will give us a idea if it has a complete stock, front sight hood etc.Also check with her if there is a bayonet around,it will be marked Ross Rifle Co. If complete and not sporterized It will add to the value.

[CINDERS]

The Moderators here are well versed at valuations as they are Armourers, Gunsmiths and Gunshop owners, though as you can appreciate even for them there are difficulties with the appraisal as they cannot handle the weapon for a more definitive inspection but they will give you an honest figure based on what the pictures tell them. This may help your relative in stopping an unscrupulous person getting a good rifle cheaply. And they are out there make no mistake.........anyway welcome to milsurps

[mr68gto]

Sorry I did not reply earlier. I hope to put pictures up today. This rifle was in a different state and I just got back "with it" (was visiting, not just to look at the rifle). Anyway. no bayonet on it but I did not ask there may be one. I took the butt plate off and there is a brass cylindrical canister (3-3.5" long) in there rolling around. It opens at one end but I did not open not knowing if I would damage something in there that would take away value.

[browningautorifle]

Well, the brass cylinder is likely an oil bottle. It shouldn't damage anything to open, they can have value too...

[mr68gto]

Here are more pics of this rifle. The pic with the butt plate has the cylinder in it. thanks

After posting I looked at these again and noticed many appear to show rust on the metal. It's odd because there is absolutely no rust anywhere but some areas have a tarnish on them

[oldpaul]

That is about as nice as a Mk II 3* as they come. Does the brass oil bottle have any markings on the bottom? Typically there is a makers mark of some kind; google images shows lots of examples, a collectible in its own right. Nice markings on the butt stock too. Tom

[mr68gto]

No markings on the bottom of the oil bottle. There is a marking on the cap - a partial print of something circular. The stock does have a lot of markings on it so I guess its been to a few places but I don't have a clue what any of them mean. thanks

[boltaction]

The markings are the Ross Rifle Company "roundel" stamp, followed by the II* designation. The rifle is serial number 715AU, manufactured in 1909. In Feb 1912 it was issued to the Canadian Garrison Artillery. I can't quite make out the stamp to the right, maybe a "CA". Could be 1st Battalion Canadian Artillery in March 1910.

Cheers

Ed