EXTREMELY DESIRABLE U.S. WWI PEDERSEN DEVICE AND CORRECT SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1903 MK1 BOLT-ACTION MILITARY RIFLE. GROUP IS ACCOMPANIED BY A LARGE QUANTITY OF ORIGINAL ACCESSORIES, AMMUNITION AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

 EXTREMELY DESIRABLE U.S. WWI PEDERSEN DEVICE AND CORRECT SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1903 MK1 BOLT-ACTION MILITARY RIFLE. GROUP IS ACCOMPANIED BY A LARGE QUANTITY OF ORIGINAL ACCESSORIES, AMMUNITION AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

25-5085 & 25-5086 | Cal. 30 Pedersen. | S# 51377.

The Pedersen device was developed to increase the short range firepower available from the standard bolt-action Model 1903 rifle by allowing the soldier to switch the standard bolt to the Pedersen device, allowing semi-automatic fire & utilizing a detachable 40 round magazine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard service 30-06, was thought to be effective at the short ranges involved in trench warfare. The device was carried by the soldier in its container on his belt to be readily available. The Pedersen device was named for John D. Pedersen who worked for Remington Arms and had several successful designs there including this device. He also developed a self-loading rifle which was offered to the United States government as an alternative to the M1 Garand. The device functions on the blowback principle utilizing a 30 caliber rimless pistol type cartridge. The 1903 Springfield bolt-action rifle was specially manufactured with an ejection slot in the left receiver rail. The magazine cutoff and spindle were changed in-order to lock the device in-place. The trigger is made with a unique double sear to allow its function in both roles. These special parts are present on the rifle. The device is marked on the top right of the serrated slide “REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT / PEDERSEN’S PAT’S. PENDING”. Marked on the top left “U.S.A. 1918-MARK1 / serial number”. The chamber & barrel portion of the device resembles a steel cartridge case and is adjustable to fit the individual rifle. The devices and their specially modified MK1 rifles started production in 1918. The war ended before they could be fielded with approximately 65,000 devices produced along with approximately 101,000 rifles produced to accommodate them. The Pedersen devices were ultimately stored until the early 1930s and nearly all of them were destroyed along with their ammunition to save storage costs. It is thought that less than 100 devices now survive. The grouping is also accompanied by 600 rounds of original ball cartridges contained in two 200 round cartons, one of which is sealed and five 40 round cartons which are not sealed, but all appear to be full. Cartridges manufactured by Remington Arms, Union Metallic Cartridge Company and labeled “MODEL OF 1918”. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: the device includes its extremely scarce original metal belt carrier, the khaki pouch designed to receive the bolt when removed from the rifle, pouch marked inside flap “R.I.A. 1919”, a five pocket khaki web ammunition pouch with lift the dot fastener and model 1910 belt hook. Included is the reportedly extremely rare cloth bandolier. The bandolier with shoulder strap has indistinct stenciling on the front and a “7”. There are two unmarked blued steel combination tools. MAGS: 1 detachable 40 round parkerized steel magazine marked “SP” and is numbered for remaining cartridges which are visible from small slots in the rear of the magazine. Magazine retains 90% of its original parkerized finish w/ very light wear. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: included is a copy of a previous auction description, reprint of American Rifleman article by Canfield, reprint of magazine article “More on the Pedersen Device” by Mackenzie, article from unknown source entitled “The Pedersen Device”, reprinted drawings of the cartridge and bullet from Union Metallic Cartridge Company dated 1918 and reprinted illustrated “Notes on Caliber .30 Model of 1918 Pistol” by Capt. S. G. Green.
2) Cal. 30-06. S# 1105950. Bbl. 24″. Barrel marked behind front sight “SA / flaming bomb / 8-19”. U.S. Springfield MK1 Rifle manufactured to accommodate the Pedersen device, having the correct slot in the left receiver rail with its corresponding notch in the walnut stock. The trigger has the correct double sear. The magazine cutoff has the correct catch and spindle for the device. Ladder rear sight graduated to 2,850 yards without volley notch. Dished elevation and windage knobs. Correct sight base with lightening cuts. Blade front sight with protective cover. All milled furniture including the smooth trap buttplate and smooth trigger. Walnut stock set. The “S” type straight grip walnut stock is marked on the left side with faint boxed “GRG” indicating a Springfield Armory inspector G. R. Goring. The stamp, according to internet research, was used between 1908 and 1910. The stock is additionally marked under the grip with script “P” proof, “S” and faint assembly number. “W” appears near the acceptance mark and a prominent “8” is found in the cutoff recess. Stock tip is marked “S”. Bolt with swept handle is marked “JS” under safety lug. Bolt has small gas hole at bottom. Receiver is without the Hatcher hole. Correct walnut handguard. STATUS: MODERN. CURIO.