Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 413300
Year of Manufacture: 1910 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, blind magazine
Barrel Length: 24" (September 1910 Springfield Armory marked)
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned into a base with a serrated face. The base is dovetailed into a band around the barrel. The rear sight is an extremely rare Warner Objective MI rifle sight design patented by Adolph Niedner and Robert Warner for use on Allied rifles. Approximately 400 sights were produced and acquired by the U.S. Army. The design saw only limited military use, making surviving examples very desirable. Some commercial sales are suspected, but not confirmable.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is two piece wood in the standard 1903 configuration. The checkered buttplate has only light handling wear. The cleaning kit compartment is empty. The furniture shows scattered pressure dings, drag lines, and surface scratches. The LOP measures 12.75" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a large crack on the right side of the wrist. The furniture rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is mild pitting and erosion throughout the bore. The muzzle erosion measures 0.125. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its original metal finish. The finish on the barrel and action have mostly turned to patina. There are scattered scratches, minor dings, spots of thinning, and other standard handling marks. The screw heads range from unmarred to lightly tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Patent printout for the rear sight
Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1903 was manufactured in 1910 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic firearm. Produced by Springfield Armory, the Model 1903 is widely regarded as one of the finest military bolt-action rifles ever adopted by the United States. Built around a Mauser-inspired controlled-round-feed action, the M1903 earned an outstanding reputation for strength, accuracy, and reliability during both World Wars. This example is especially noteworthy for its exceptionally rare Warner Objective MI rifle sight, a design patented by Adolph Niedner and Robert Warner during the First World War. Approximately 400 of these sights were produced and acquired by the U.S. Army for evaluation and limited service use. Although commercial sales are suspected, they have not been confirmed, making surviving examples highly desirable and seldom encountered today.
Chambered in .30-06 Springfield with a 24 inch barrel, this rifle combines the legendary M1903 action with one of America's most successful military cartridges. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10, showing moderate to heavy wear with visible rifling remaining. The action functions correctly.
The furniture rates in Good to Very Good condition with honest handling wear consistent with military service. This rifle retains approximately 60% of its original metal finish, exhibiting expected thinning, patina, and operational wear while preserving its historic military character. Overall, this firearm rates in Good condition and represents a Springfield Model 1903 fitted with one of the rarest experimental U.S. military rifle sights of the First World War, making it a highly significant collector's piece. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
