While I was cruising a local pusher, today, I ran across something seldom (if ever) seen - a pretty close clone of a 1903 Springfield rifle, made for training purposes during World War I !
It was in excellent condition, and the bolt was operable - but no opening or chamber/mag is exposed when the bolt handle is raised and withdrawn rearward !
It was marked:
"U.S. Training Rifle Co"
"Philadelphia, PA"
with NO other markings anywhere, even on the stock or buttplate.
It looked exactly like this one:
These were made just prior to WW I by the U.S.Training Rifle Co, 1201 Colonial Trust Bldg, Philadelphia, PA - and were first sold for $7.00 to schools and "Y.M.C.A. organizations".
The U.S.N, reportedly took delivery of 10,000 in 1918 - well before other, cruder, training rifles - like the Parris-Dunn - were supplied.
It was tentatively unpriced (priceless ? ), as the shop owner had no clue exactly what it was, except: "old".
.
It was in excellent condition, and the bolt was operable - but no opening or chamber/mag is exposed when the bolt handle is raised and withdrawn rearward !
It was marked:
"U.S. Training Rifle Co"
"Philadelphia, PA"
with NO other markings anywhere, even on the stock or buttplate.
It looked exactly like this one:
These were made just prior to WW I by the U.S.Training Rifle Co, 1201 Colonial Trust Bldg, Philadelphia, PA - and were first sold for $7.00 to schools and "Y.M.C.A. organizations".
The U.S.N, reportedly took delivery of 10,000 in 1918 - well before other, cruder, training rifles - like the Parris-Dunn - were supplied.
It was tentatively unpriced (priceless ? ), as the shop owner had no clue exactly what it was, except: "old".
.
Last edited: