SmokeEaterPilot
Active Member
- Jun 3, 2011
- 525
Haven't really bought anything in a while but this popped up.
Found a location at the Archives that had a bunch of serial numbers and data on the PreWWI National Matches.
This one was sold to the Florida National Guard. Troops in Federal service or civilian teams more or less "rented" their rifles and they had to be turned in to the Armory following the matches. But for some reason when purchased for the Guard, they were invoiced to the state of which they served and the state owned them.
Branch and Civilian team rifles were either used in subsequent matches or recycled into service rifles, which is why they're so few of them left.
Another thing I didn't realize, I always think of Camp Perry, Sea Girt or even Creedmore when I think of "National Matches." But apparently in 1916 the matches were held in State Camp, (right outside Jacksonville) Florida. Wasn't even held in the typical shooting season of July or August but October.
These rifles really don't have many of the common traits, when you think of National Match rifles: serial number etched in the bolt or stock, star guaged muzzle stamp. They have "traits" but it really comes down to the modifications authorized by the Chief of Ordnance to make them as accurate as possible with each year.
Barrel may be original, it's been on there for a long time. No signs of marks on the finish as it's been taken off. TE 5 with a MW 1. Bolt looks polished, but it's got some really dried grease on the bolt which I'll probably just leave it on there.
This stuff is out there, all with hidden histories.
Found a location at the Archives that had a bunch of serial numbers and data on the PreWWI National Matches.
This one was sold to the Florida National Guard. Troops in Federal service or civilian teams more or less "rented" their rifles and they had to be turned in to the Armory following the matches. But for some reason when purchased for the Guard, they were invoiced to the state of which they served and the state owned them.
Branch and Civilian team rifles were either used in subsequent matches or recycled into service rifles, which is why they're so few of them left.
Another thing I didn't realize, I always think of Camp Perry, Sea Girt or even Creedmore when I think of "National Matches." But apparently in 1916 the matches were held in State Camp, (right outside Jacksonville) Florida. Wasn't even held in the typical shooting season of July or August but October.
These rifles really don't have many of the common traits, when you think of National Match rifles: serial number etched in the bolt or stock, star guaged muzzle stamp. They have "traits" but it really comes down to the modifications authorized by the Chief of Ordnance to make them as accurate as possible with each year.
Barrel may be original, it's been on there for a long time. No signs of marks on the finish as it's been taken off. TE 5 with a MW 1. Bolt looks polished, but it's got some really dried grease on the bolt which I'll probably just leave it on there.
This stuff is out there, all with hidden histories.