SmokeEaterPilot
Active Member
- Jun 3, 2011
- 525
I always say I'm done collecting. But then something odd pops up.
Here are two rifles both documented to the same Infantry Regiment, 26th IR Blue Spaders. They got their first battle streamer there. In WWI, they would be among the first troops in France and immediately go right to the front. The 26th would earn more campaign streamers than any other regiment in WWI.
I posted the Krag before so no need to rehash that. It's just a clerical error on Springfield Armory's part during the Brownsville Affair.
The 1903 has less significant history. Part of a shipment of 156 rifles sent to Rock Island Arsenal for inspection and repair. The rifle is in really rough shape. It's been reparkerized, has a surface pitting and a RIA replacement stock. But the barrel is dated September 1911, and the inspection report is from November the same year. So either the same barrel from the inspection, or the barrel put on as a result of the inspection.
She's going to be cared for and kept with the Krag. Despite being rough. The Krag is in FAR better shape, the wood and metal is much nicer. The 1903 definitely shows "use."
So two rifles, different generations but sharing the same regimental lineage of the 26th.
Here are two rifles both documented to the same Infantry Regiment, 26th IR Blue Spaders. They got their first battle streamer there. In WWI, they would be among the first troops in France and immediately go right to the front. The 26th would earn more campaign streamers than any other regiment in WWI.
I posted the Krag before so no need to rehash that. It's just a clerical error on Springfield Armory's part during the Brownsville Affair.
The 1903 has less significant history. Part of a shipment of 156 rifles sent to Rock Island Arsenal for inspection and repair. The rifle is in really rough shape. It's been reparkerized, has a surface pitting and a RIA replacement stock. But the barrel is dated September 1911, and the inspection report is from November the same year. So either the same barrel from the inspection, or the barrel put on as a result of the inspection.
She's going to be cared for and kept with the Krag. Despite being rough. The Krag is in FAR better shape, the wood and metal is much nicer. The 1903 definitely shows "use."
So two rifles, different generations but sharing the same regimental lineage of the 26th.
