WW I U.S. Training Rifle Co Dummy Spotted

[PetahW]

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condition, and the bolt was operable - but no opening or chamber/mag is exposed when the bolt handle is raised and withdrawn rearward !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".

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[Tom2]

well if you can get it cheap, I think you can sell non guns like that on ebay, thus getting huge exposure and a high price. Or keep it as a cool wall hanger.

 

[Chris_B]

M1907 sling looks quite old too

That's a part of US History, that training rifle. I say try to get it

 

[PetahW]

The pics above are of another example - but it's exactly like the one I saw, including the sling & condition.
I didn't have my camera with me when I was shop-cruising, so I subbed the pics so others could see what these look like.
I know I've never even HEARD of them before yesterday !

I've seen "parade" dummy rifles, and other practice/trainers over the years - but never one that looks so much like the 1903 Springfield. (Except an actual .22 cal Springfield, i.e.)

My local gunshop is "closed' for this weekend, as the owner is taking a "long" weekend.
I'll stop by when he re-opens mid-week, and see if he's made up his mind on a price.

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[4V50 Gary]

We've got a dummy 1903 rifle at the museum/gallery where I help out as a curator.