Rare, "Red Star" Remington Model 1903 - British Lend Lease

Description

10/02/2024 - For sale is a scarce example of a 1903 made by Remington that were known as the "Red Star" Remingtons that were imported in 1955 from England.

The Red Star rifles were a batch of 200 Remington 1903's that were originally sent to England as Lend-Lease aid during WW2. These rifles were imported by US Air Corps B-24 Navigator Lt. Col. Willard Levin in 1955. There was a total of 200 rifles imported and were gifted to his nephew. A grouping of 60 rifles were sold to Red Star Museum and Gun Shop in Culver city, California in the late 1990s which is how they got the name "Red Star" Remington 1903s. The rifles are characterized by the red band painted on the forestock and handguard. These rifles were imported in sealed crates from the British Armory and coated in packing grease. These rifles would be featured on NRA's "Man-At-Arms" Magazine in 2009. 

This rifle is in great condition with minor wear to note. The metal retains a nice parkerized finish with minor edge wear. The stock is in great condition with some small dings and nicks from handling but there are no cracks or breaks. The bore is bright with great rifling and the muzzle erosion rates a 1. The rifle is void of any typical British proof marks which is correct for these rifles. The stock has a red band painted on the stock to note that it shoots .30-06 and was not to be confused with loading .303 Ammo. The rifle comes with a letter from the Nephew of Lt. Col. Levin, the one who inherited these rifles, as a letter of provenance on this rifle. An issue of the NRA magazine is also included that explains the story of these rifles along side original photos of when the crate for this rifle was opened.