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U.S. Rifle, Model 1917, Manufactured by Remington at Their Eddystone, Pa Facility, 30-06
Guns International #: 102169654 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Military Rifles - US - Military Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: H.T. Rea
Member Since: 7/17/20
First Name: H.T.
Last Name: Rea
State: Texas
Zip: 77494
Country: United States
Phone: (713) 702-7522
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 11
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: USPS Money Order Preferred
Description:
U.S. MODEL 1917 RIFLE, PROBABLY UN-ISSUED, MANUFACTURED BY EDDYSTONE WITH ALL MATCHING PARTS & AS NEW BORE. Serial number 1276455 with correct original 10-18 dated “E” barrel.
When the U.S entered WW1 in April 1917 the number of M1903 rifles available to equip the expanded military was insufficient. The ordnance department realized that three private firearms manufacturers (Winchester, Remington, and the Eddystone subsidiary of Remington) had been making Pattern 1914 .303 caliber rifles for British, and had nearly completed their contracts. There was intense pressure for rifles for the new draftees so the ordnance department approached these manufactures and asked them to convert their existing tooling and make the British designed rifle for our 30-06 cartridge. This was easily done as the Pattern 1914 was based on the .276 caliber Pattern 1913 design, and all three plants were in full production by the fall of 1917.
The rifle was designated U.S. Rifle, Model of 1917, but was commonly called the Enfield because of its British origins. The rifle is heavier and longer than the U.S. Model 1903 Springfields, and the balance is not as good. But, the action is stronger, and the "Enfield" has better battlefield sights than the Model 1903. Eventually, over 70% of our troops who served in France actually carried the Model 1917s, and it is believed that Sergeant Alvin York earned the Medal of Honor while armed with a M1917 made by Eddystone.
After the war most of the Model 1917`s were arsenal reworked and put into storage. When World War II broke out we provided M1917`s to many of our allies and also our own troops until the M1 Garand became available. After World War II many M1917`s were sold to civilians by the Government, and became the basis for custom magnum actions.
Each of the makers stamped their initial (E,R or W) on nearly all parts, even though they are interchangeable. Eddystone made the most with about 1.6 million rifles completed by the November 1918. Winchester and Remington made about 550,000 each.
This rifle was made at Remington factory at Eddystone, Pennsylvania. It has the original black Parkerized finish that was adopted in late 1918. Unlike most of these that we see that were refinished and Parkerized for use in WWII this rifle has a smooth overall finish and could easily be mistaken for being blued. The finish rates about 97%+/- with normal wear on the high points, primarily from working the bolt and on the buttplate. ALL of the parts including the barrel, bolt and stock are marked with the Eddystone "E" mark. The bore is as new being sharp and bright. The stock is excellent with only a few minor storage and handling dings. Good eagle head inspector cartouche. No import marks, overall an excellent, matching, original finish example of a Eddystone made Model 1917.
I have owned this rifle for 50 years and it is time to pass it along to another custodian of this piece of history. A Kerr “No Buckle” sling is included with the sale. In todays market the sling is worth $100 by itself.
USPS money order is the preferred payment. $2000.00 plus $75 shipping. Rifle must go to an FFL or a C&R holder.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer: Eddystone
Model: M1917
Serial Number: 1276455
Barrel Length: 26
Condition: NRA Excellent
Metal Condition: 97% +/-
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: As new
Action: bolt