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1903 Springfield stock

Peepsight3006
I have a 1903 Springfield (970xxx) made in 1918 with barrel dated and stamped 1918 by Springfield Armory. The bolt, sights, etc. are all correct, but some "experts" disagree about the stock. The cartouche is J.F.C. which I've been told was an inspector at Springfield Armory. Some say he was only there for two years, 1905 and 1906, while others say he inspected and stamped guns up until about 1930.

Can anyone clarify this for me? The dealer I purchased the rifle from assures me that the cartouche is correct for 1918, and will take the rifle back if it is not correct in all respects.

Thanks,

Wayne (peepsight3006)
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3 comments

Date Votes
  • Ambrose
    I'll see if I can find anything in my Brophy and Canfield books and get back to you.

    Good morning; In the book "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by William S. Brophy, J.F.C. is listed as J. F. Coyle and indicates that he was an inspector at Springfield 1905-1918. There is a JEC who inspected at Springfield 1904-1906. Perhaps the people you talked to got the two mixed up.

    Hope this helps.
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  • Peepsight3006
    Thanks Ambrose!!

    It not only helps, it means the dealer I trust so much is not only honest, but knows more than a lot of so called "Springfield Experts".

    Thanks again, your answer, and the citation, is worth about another thousand bucks.

    Wayne
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  • Ambrose
    Wayne,
    Since posting this morning, I checked Canfield's book, "The '03 Era", and it agrees with Brophy (they don't always!) that J.F.C. was a Springfield inspector 1905-1918. So perhaps your dealer has the same books I have!? I hope I have helped make your day.
    W.
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