Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1903

Serial Number: 444663

Year of Manufacture: 1910 Barrel Date: Dec. 1910

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, 5 Round Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 444663”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 12 – 10” . The safety is marked “SAFE READY” There are various small letter proofs throughout. The stock is marked with, “LT F R SHAMEL USNRF” (US Navel Reserve Force) and “J.F.C.” (J.F. Coyle) inspector stamp along with a “P” proof and “30” under the wrist.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base with a protective hood. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up V-notch ladder sight marked out to 27.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a capped forend/bayonet lug & stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, two through bolts, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate w/ a storage door. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is light to moderate erosion and no pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and nicks throughout with spots of thinning and patina. The action has light wear. The buttplate has light impact marks. The action has light wear. The screw heads are light to moderately tooled. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather sling that has been split due to age, original cleaning kit.

Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield M1903 is one of the most iconic American military rifles of the 20th century, renowned for its strength, accuracy, and service across both World Wars. Originally adopted in 1903, early examples like this 1910-dated rifle featured a high-quality blued finish and finely machined components that exemplified the craftsmanship of the pre-WWI Springfield Armory. What makes this rifle particularly notable is its connection to the U.S. Naval Reserve Force (USNRF), as evidenced by the “LT F R SHAMEL USNRF” marking on the stock. This personal marking ties the rifle to a specific officer and naval service history, adding a rare layer of provenance and character to an already desirable early-production example. This rifle retains its original December 1910-dated Springfield barrel, with sharp armory and inspector markings including the early “J.F.C.” cartouche from inspector J.F. Coyle. The bore remains bright with well-defined rifling, rating an impressive 8.5/10 despite some light erosion, which is quite favorable for a rifle of this age. The metal finish has thinned to about 50%, with areas of patina and honest field wear. The stock is structurally sound with no cracks, only scattered pressure dents and scratches. The original rear sight, front blade with hood, and correct milled hardware complete the rifle’s early 20th-century configuration. The inclusion of a split leather sling and original cleaning kit housed in the buttstock adds authenticity and historical completeness.

For collectors of early U.S. military rifles, this 1910 Springfield M1903 is an outstanding piece. Its early production date, sharp bore, and verified U.S. Naval Reserve markings make it far more than just a standard service rifle. It represents a pre-war era of U.S. arms development and is tied to a branch of service whose rifles are far less commonly encountered than Army-issued examples. Whether displayed for its historical context or appreciated for its shooting potential, this M1903 offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a documented and well-preserved piece of American military heritage.