Guns International #: 101187680
Seller's Inventory #: M19-359

Category - Military Rifles - Eddystone - Military Rifles - US

Category
Military Rifles - Eddystone
Military Rifles - US

WW1 1918 Eddystone Model of 1917 Enfield Rifle in .30-06 Caliber ** Nice World War 1 Example ** SOLD

Description:
While many people think of the Springfield 1903 as the main battle rifle of the U.S. Expeditionary Forces in World War 1 they are mistaken, the Model of 1917 (Enfield) rifle was actually used in far greater numbers at every major battle the U.S. took part in.  In fact, the Model of 1917 or M1917 made up 75% of the total number of main battle rifles issued to the A.E.F. by 1918.  The M1917 proved itself a worthy weapon in combat during the war.  The 1917 was reliable in the mud and bad weather that typified trench warfare during WW1, as well as a very tough and sturdy weapon that could handle a lot of abuse.  The longer sighting plane of the 1917 was better suited to long distance accuracy than the 1903 Springfield or 98 Mauser and thus was more accurate at longer distances than it's rivals.  While the rear sight is not adjustable for windage like the 1903, the ladder-style sight can be flipped up and adjusted for engagements out to 1600 yards, and both the front and rear sights were better protected with large metal protective ears.  The 1917 has an extremely strong action that is a cock-on-closing design.  While many troops initially preferred the cock-on-opening design of the 1903, the cock-on-closing design was proven to be faster and more efficient in combat.  This design feature was very much appreciated when the fighting was intense and fast.  One of America's greatest heros of World War 1, Sergeant Alvin C. York was using a M1917 when he won he the Congressional Medal of Honor in October of 1918.  This particular M1917 is an Eddystone manufacture rifle made in 1918.  It appears to have gone thru one arsenal rebuild/parkerizing after the war but retains almost all of it's original parts.  The only part that is not original Eddystone production or an original contract part is the stock, which is a WW1 Winchester replacement stock.  The arsenal-parkerized finish has an attractive green look to it, which is proper for early parkerizing.  The barrel is stamped at the front sight "JA", which stands for Johnson Automatics.  Johnson Automatics provided barrels to Eddystone for their M1917's and is correct for this rifle.  The bore in this M1917 is excellent and bright.  It still shows very strong rifling with sharp lands and grooves throughout.  The Winchester replacement stock is in excellent condition overall.  It shows some small dings and dents but no major damage or cracks.  It has a pleasing dark red-brown finish to it and a perfectly matching handguard.  All of the stock hardware is intact and nice and tight to the wood.  All of the controls on this rifle are in perfect working order.  The bolt works smoothly by hand and locks up tight.  The factory 2-stage trigger is really superb for a military rifle, breaking with light pull at the second stage with no grit or slop.  We have no doubt that this rifle would make an excellent shooter in addition to an investment.  This Eddystone Model of 1917 would be an excellent addition to any U.S. Military weapons collection, and truly is a very important weapon in World War 1 history.            

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: Eddystone
Model: Model 1917
Serial Number: 780299
Caliber Info: .30-06 Springfield
Bore: Excellent
Condition: Good
Barrels: "JA" stamped Johnson Automatics (correct)
Manufacture Date: 1918