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Thread: Books: Manufacture of the Model 1903 & The Rock Island 03'

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  1. #11
    Legacy Member boomer656's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rick the Librarianicon View Post
    John contributed a "chunk" of C.S. Ferris' later RIA book, but not enough to be listed as a co-author. Nick brought out the "update about 2007 or so, if memory serves. It is called "Rock Island Rifle Model 1903". Scott Duff published it - not sure if it is in print, but fairly easy to find on the "used"market.....
    The book is still available new (although the copyright page gives the most recent printing as 2003) -- the copy I ordered last week arrived today .

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  4. #12
    Legacy Member Calif-Steve's Avatar
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    JB will publish a book on the '03 after he retires. It will likely deal with the many myths surrounding the rifle. Should be fun reading.

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  6. #13
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    Rick the Librarian's Avatar
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    Try Googling the title of the "Manufacture" book.
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    Contributing Member usabaker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rick the Librarianicon View Post
    Try Googling the title of the "Manufacture" book.
    The price is insane! I don't understand why so much. I thought Mr. Brophys book is overpriced and I'm been trying to find one of his for a while that I can afford.

    (The Springfield 1903 Rifles by William S Brophy Usar)

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    Legacy Member boomer656's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by usabaker View Post
    .... I thought Mr. Brophys book is overpriced and I'm been trying to find one of his for a while that I can afford.

    (The Springfield 1903 Rifles by William S Brophy Usar)
    There is one of Brophys books on ebay now with bid at $45. Least expensive I've seen in an online store is $58. .... both outside my 'budget'.

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    The "Manufacture" book was published (as I understand it) in extremely small quantities, which is (was?) the reason, I assume for the high price.

    If you want to REALLY see a book that has increased in value, try finding a copy of C.S. Ferris' and John Beardicon's Springfield Model 1903 Service Rifle: Production and Alteration, 1905-1910, which details the many changes made to the M1903 during its early years. A small, 66-page book which is still (IMHO) the best book on this subject. Used copies go from $100 to $260!!

    I believe the book originally was privately published by C.S. Ferris and, I believe, sold for something like $7.50. The heck with mutual funds, the stock market, etc.! I should have invested in these books and bought a gross!

    The only similar book that comes to mind is Charles Clawson's "small" book on the M1911 ... which sold for about $35.00 8-10 years ago. Now, copies run (when you can find them) in the $500 range!!
    Last edited by Rick the Librarian; 03-21-2018 at 09:54 AM.
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  11. #17
    Legacy Member MoMallard's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rick the Librarianicon View Post
    The "Manufacture" book was published (as I understand it) in extremely small quantities, which is (was?) the reason, I assume for the high price.

    If you want to REALLY see a book that has increased in value, try finding a copy of C.S. Ferris' and John Beardicon's Springfield Model 1903 Service Rifle: Production and Alteration, 1905-1910, which details the many changes made to the M1903 during its early years. A small, 66-page book which is still (IMHO) the best book on this subject. Used copies go from $100 to $260!!

    I believe the book originally was privately published by C.S. Ferris and, I believe, sold for something like $7.50. The heck with mutual funds, the stock market, etc.! I should have invested in these books and bought a gross!

    The only similar book that comes to mind is Charles Clawson's "small" book on the M1911 ... which sold for about $35.00 8-10 years ago. Now, copies run (when you can find them) in the $500 range!!
    Good grief! That's insane! I have a copy of the "Production and Alteration" book signed by CS Ferris. Must be worth $500! I need to get JB to sign it as well and it'll fetch $1000!!

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    Contributing Member usabaker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rick the Librarianicon View Post
    If you want to REALLY see a book that has increased in value, try finding a copy of C.S. Ferris' and John Beardicon's Springfield Model 1903 Service Rifle: Production and Alteration, 1905-1910, which details the many changes made to the M1903 during its early years. A small, 66-page book which is still (IMHO) the best book on this subject. Used copies go from $100 to $260!!
    I got lucky! the pair for $56.00 + $5.50 shipping

    Attachment 92951

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