SOLD - Historic, Documented Pearl Harbor Springfield 1903 Recovered From The U.S.S. California

Description

4/9/24 - This is one of the most historically significant pieces we've had in recent memory. This is a documented example of a Springfield Model 1903 rifle that was salvaged from the U.S.S. California after it was sunk and later recovered at Pearl Harbor. This rifle, serial 1012843, is accompanied by information from the Archival Research Group verifying this rifle as documented in a Bureau of Ordnance Survey dated to February of 1942. In February 1942, "the U.S. Navy started initial repairs on the battleship U.S.S. California following the damage she sustained by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941. Before being sent back, the Commanding officer of the U.S.S. California was transferring custody of various small arms to coastal artillery batteries, which were constructed in early 1942 for the island's defense. Your rifle was recorded as being transferred to 'Battery 4.'...Battery 4 refers to a coasted artillery battery that was located at the Ewa Marine Corps Air Station and comprised of four 5-inch naval guns." This rifle is an arsenal re-worked piece with serial and barrel date of 1918. Arsenal re-parkized finish, with inspector's mark and arsenal mark on stock. It was converted from a drill rifle at some point in it's life, so appears there is a weld in the mag cutoff. A qualified gunsmith should inspect it before any attempt is made to fire the rifle. Small repair on underside of stock, forward of the trigger housing.

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On December 7, 1941, . Over 2,300 Americans lost their lives, 12 U.S. ships sank or were beached, 9 additional vessels sustained damages, over 160 aircraft were destroyed and approximately 150 more were damaged. This U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rifle is identified by serial number as salvaged off of the U.S.S. California after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The U.S.S. California was hit by two bombs and two torpedoes prior to sinking, with over 100 sailors that were on board determined dead. The ship was recovered after sinking and would later return to service in January 1944. More info on these surviving pieces: https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/pearl-harbor-survivors-m1903-rifles-salvaged-from-u-s-s-california/