Unusual RIA 1903 ... and 'N' stamps

[Nick Adams]

I came into an unusual RIA 1903 back in June - # 49643.

It has a S.A. barrel dated 7-15, with flaming bomb.

Regarding the stamps, there are the usual ones, such as a sideways 'U' stamped on the rear metal band. On the underside of the barrel, there's a 'P ' stamp, and then on the 'flat' of the bayo lug there's an 'H' stamp. There is an 'S' stamped on the forend wood (or 'nose'-piece) under the barrel.

However there are two capital 'N' stamps that I'm unable to account for, although given the background of the owner I have a theory as to what they signify.

One 'N' is stamped on the left side of the stock, below and to the right of the cut-off lever where you'd expect to see a rebuild cartouche or Inspector's initials. On this rifle, it's just the 'N' alone, not boxed or circled.

On the underside of the grip, just behind the trigger guard, there is another 'N' (not boxed or circled) stamped above a highly-serifed and circled 'P.'

Overall, the rifle is pretty clean. The stock has finger grooves and shows only minor dings and scratches. The buttplate is smooth, not checkered.

I'm thinking the stock and handguards are from Springfield rather than being original RIA wood, perhaps added when the 1915 barrel was installed, but I'm not for sure on that.

The sights are in good shape, and the front sight had a protector attached which I removed for taking pictures.

The bore of the barrel still has some shine to it and good rifling. The muzzle also looks good.

A few pics are attached ... 1903 experts, what do you think?

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