1903 Springfield w Warner & Swazey Site
I have in my hands a rifle marked, US Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903, Serial Number 215XX with the barrel marked RIA, Flaming Bomb, L-06 and 18 (18 is Underlined). It has the mount for the Warner & Swazey Optical Musket Site and I also have the site in good condition. The stock has the boxed FJA and crossed canons on the left wrist, circled-P aft of the trigger guard, an M between the circled-P and the trigger guard, and before the trigger guard a circled 8, boxed 7, diamond 7, and triangle E. The rifle bore looks very good and there is some rust/corrosion on the rear sights and front sight, and sling swivel. The rifle is complete and looks very good.
I intend on posting this rifle and site on GB, but would like your advice as to the minimum acceptable bid and what they might bring.
Thanks in advance.
I intend on posting this rifle and site on GB, but would like your advice as to the minimum acceptable bid and what they might bring.
Thanks in advance.
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Hello This "COULD" be a very collectable gun and you will need many detailed pictures to get the "FAIR" market price. I would suggest that you do not attempt to clean or DOLL UP this Item and I and many others woul like to see you put on a unreserver auction. BELIEVE me if you list with correct description and "GOOD DETAILED" pictures on this site it will sell for a price you can be happy with. 0 -
The combo is undoubtedly a post-WWII garage project.
WWI sniper rifles were assembled by Springfield Armory, & they used Springfield Armory rifles. The serial # should be stamped in the side mounting recess of the scope. In any case, Col Frank J. Atwood was an inspector 1942-1946, so the stock came from a WWII rifle. With holes drilled in the receiver, value of the rifle is now < $100, although, if the stock is unmutilated, it may be worth more.
You may want to sell the scope & base separately. There were 2 models of W&S scopes - Model 1908 & Model 1913, plus variations of each. There were also several mount variations; you may not even have a USGI mount. You may want to invest in a book. Or, once you have photos, ask the guys on the 1903 forum at www.jouster.com for help identifying the scope & mount; besides, these are the guys who you want to have bidding on it.
Value depends upon the exact model, condition, & the quality of your photographs. I agree with Perry Shooter; don't play games with your listing, & you will get a fair price.
Neal0 -
One of my references notes that their were 5,000, 03 Springfields fitted with Model 1913 Warner-Swasey telescopic sights during and after the First World War.
It values them from $1700 to $6750 depending on overall condition. Also noting that the scopes were originally numbered to specific rifles, but the scopes were also sold separately as surplus, after the war.
I most definitely would not sell this extremely rare US sniper rifle, in a unreserved auction unless my starting bid price reflected the above values.
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Hey!!! Thank you all very much for your help. I am always amazed at the kind and caring responses shown here.
The Warner & Swazey Telescopic Sight is a Model of 1913 and is a real work of art. If you have never held one in your hands, you are certainly missing a little something. I would love to shoot this combination, but hesitate to do so.
Many Thanks,
Dave0
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