Inherited 1903 Springfield (in family over 65 years)

[Kizhuyak]

Greetings, I just inherited my grandpa's 1903 Springfield and am trying to get a clearer picture of the weapon. Unfortunately he never told my father how or when he got it, only that he carried an '03 while building the Burma Road during WW 2.

Attachment 118026

So here is what I think I know:
Produced by Springfield in 1934: Serial # 1450xxx
Springfield barrel (SA stamp and flaming grenade): date stamp 1–31
"S" stamp on indent under cutoff lever: likely indicator of Springfield stock
Pistol grip "C" stock.

Things I'm trying to figure out:
1. The stock does not have "p" proof marks but "0" (zero) stamps behind the trigger guard and on the base of the pistol grip.
Attachment 118027 Attachment 118028

2. The top hand guard is stamped D28179. Interestingly another site indicates the same stamp on Springfield #1521741 (http://www.vishooter.net/SA.txt).
Attachment 118030

3. In front of the magazine the stock is stamped B3.
Attachment 118029

4. When I removed the stock the barrel is stamped R17 between the sight and the receiver.
Attachment 118031

5. I cannot locate any acceptance marks on the stock...

I love this old rifle and am just trying to understand it's history better.

Thank you for any help you can render,
Mark

Information

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[browningautorifle]

The top hand guard is stamped D28179.

That's a drawing number...

[Kizhuyak]

That's a drawing number...

Hi Jim could you explain that to me? Do you mean like a lottery drawing or a technical drawing? It was crazy to find that it was stamped on another rifle.

BTW: I proposed to my wife on the ferry ride back from Victoria B.C. in 1990.

Respectfully,
Mark

[browningautorifle]

technical drawing

It's the number of the technical drawing that they refer to for spec of the piece. All parts have a "Drawing" and can be traced by the size of the piece. The letter at the beginning of the number denotes the size of the part, large, small...

I proposed to my wife on the ferry ride back from Victoria

That's been done, usually I think while in Active Pass area...

[Kizhuyak]

Thank you for the clarification Jim. One question down.

Respectfully,
Mark

[browningautorifle]

Other guys will be along soon to explain all of it. Very interesting markings on the stock. I always like the "C" stocks better than the canoe paddle or scant stocks...

[1903Collector]

I think I can answer a few or all of your questions. Still looking for answers? BTW, is there, even very faded or sanded nearly off, a similar looking number on the underside of the butt between the lower slong mount and the pistol frip heel? Same question in same area of faint serial number (12xxxxx-15xxxxx range)?

[Rick the Librarian]

The marking on the barrel is a steel lot code - it indicates the origin of the steel used in making the barrel.

The drawing number is like a catalog number. It appeared on some M1903 parts in the mid- to late-1930s.

[RCS]

Here are a few examples of the drawing numbers that I have found on the late 1903 riflesAttachment 121155Attachment 121154Attachment 121153Attachment 121152

[Kizhuyak]

I think I can answer a few or all of your questions. Still looking for answers? BTW, is there, even very faded or sanded nearly off, a similar looking number on the underside of the butt between the lower slong mount and the pistol frip heel? Same question in same area of faint serial number (12xxxxx-15xxxxx range)?

Thank you for picking up this old thread! I'm out on a business trip at the moment but will check for this when I get back.

If you know what the weird "O" proof marks and "B3" stock stamp might be that would be really awesome! I still haven't been able to find anything about them...

Cheers,
Mark