{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-model-1903-springfield-pattern-non-firing-training-rifle-by-u-s-training-rifle-co-with-web-sling","title":"Original U.S. WWI Model 1903 Springfield Pattern Non-Firing Training Rifle by U.S. Training Rifle Co. with Web Sling","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. WWI era non-firing Model 1903 Springfield pattern training rifle manufactured by the United States Training Rifle Company of Philadelphia. An early and unusually elaborate example, it features a movable simulated bolt and functioning trigger mechanism, full-length wood furniture, Model 1903 style fittings, clear maker markings, \u003cstrong\u003e228\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped on the bottom of the butt stock, and a period web sling of the type associated with these training rifles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a permanently non-firing training rifle constructed without the components necessary to chamber or discharge live ammunition. It is sold solely as a historical training and display item. The purchaser is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe United States Training Rifle Company produced full-size instructional rifles patterned after the U.S. Model 1903 Springfield. These devices allowed recruits and other trainees to practice basic handling, carrying positions, bolt manipulation, sight alignment, and trigger control without the cost, danger, or logistical requirements associated with service rifles and live ammunition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example represents an early and comparatively complex version. Its simulated action includes a movable bolt that can be cocked and mechanically released by the trigger. Many later training rifle patterns were simplified and did not retain this degree of functional simulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle is fully stocked in the general configuration of the Model 1903 Springfield. It has a full-length wood stock and handguard, a nose band, simulated bayonet stand, stacking swivel, and a correctly shaped front sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo sling swivels are fitted beneath the stock. Installed through them is a period web sling that corresponds in style with slings observed on other examples of these training rifles. Without documented issue provenance, however, it cannot be established with certainty that the sling has remained with this particular rifle since its original use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top of the simulated receiver ring is clearly stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S. TRAINING RIFLE CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePHILADELPHIA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis maker marking is an especially desirable feature. Other encountered examples may be unmarked on their metal components, making the clear United States Training Rifle Company identification particularly useful to collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is the number \u003cstrong\u003e228\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped onto the butt stock below the rear sling swivel, however this is not the usual area where serial numbers are seen, which is on the right side of the butt stock by the butt plate. We do not know if this is a serial number, or something else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle remains in very good overall condition for an instructional arm more than a century old. It was recently cleaned and restored to remove active oxidation from the metal components while retaining the underlying aged patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood furniture shows scattered dents, pressure marks, and handling wear consistent with age and training use. No major cracks, structural breaks, or repairs were observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe simulated bolt remains movable, and the mechanism still cocks and releases when the trigger is pulled. This observation describes only the present operation of the training mechanism and does not imply that the item can chamber or discharge ammunition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its early working simulated action, full Model 1903 Springfield profile, clearly stamped U.S. Training Rifle Co. Philadelphia marking, bayonet stand, stacking swivel, period style web sling, and well-preserved wood furniture, this is an appealing example of an uncommon American military training arm. The recent cleaning, retained metal patina, scattered stock dents, and unconfirmed originality of the sling to this specific rifle are fully disclosed. It would display particularly well in a WWI training equipment, Model 1903 Springfield, U.S. military instructional arms, non-firing rifle, or advanced American martial collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: U.S. Training Rifle Co.\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1903 Springfield Trainer\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 43 3\/8 Inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing description courtesy of Malcolm MacPherson:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe US Training Rifle Co. produced a non-firing training rifle during World War One. At the start of the war there was a severe shortage of serviceable rifles for training purposes. Krag rifles were brought out of storage and put into service as training rifles even though they could not fire the 1906 cartridge. This shortage led to the development of the non-firing US Training Rifle.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe United States Training Rifle Co. and the Wood-Art Machine Co. were involved in the production of the US Training Rifle. The relationship between these companies is an enigma. Examination of Boyd's Philadelphia Business Directory, the Industrial Directory of New Jersey, and correspondence with the US Navy give some insight into their relationship. During 1917, both companies used the same business address at 420 Stephen Girard Building and early in 1918 they both moved to 1201 Colonial Trust Building in Philadelphia, PA. The Wood-Art Machine Co. also had a \"factory\" (at an unknown address) in Woodbury, NJ. During this time period both companies had the same officers. James E. Baum was president, Wadsworth Cresse was treasurer, and Stephen Robinson was Secretary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith few available records, it is impossible to find out much about these companies. However, we speculate that these companies were in reality one organization that was operating under two different names for economic reasons. It is entirely possible that neither company produced any of the components that went into the US Training Rifle. They may have subcontracted all of the parts and merely assembled them in the Woodbury facility. To me this seems probable as they produced 10,000 training rifles in approximately 125 days. If they had produced all of the parts, we feel that it would have required a prohibitively large facility and work force. There is no record of any such large manufacturing facility in the Woodbury area at that time. The first listing of the Wood-Art Machine Co. appears in 1917 and the last in 1919. From this we must conclude that the Wood-Art Machine Co. was formed specifically to produce the US Training Rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe US Training Rifle was an accurate reproduction of the 1903 Springfield rifle, which was the standard US military rifle of the period. It was not designed to fire but had the same weight and balance as the 1903 Springfield. The bolt was designed to operate in the normal manner. It was equipped with a bayonet lug that would mount a standard 1903 bayonet. The US Training Rifle Co. did not produce any bayonets or accessories for their training rifles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no serial numbers on any of the metal parts. Several specimens have 3\/8\" - 1\/2\" high block numbers stamped into the wood near the butt plate. They are not in a consistent location but they all are below the 10000 units that were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn July 2, 1917, Ralph Earle, Chief of the Ordnance Bureau of the United States Navy, contacted the US Training Rifle Co. concerning their advertisement which had just appeared in the Army and Navy Journal. There were discussions within the Navy departments concerning value of a non-firing training rifle but it was determined that, due to the shortage of arms, it was the only available option. On August 22, 1917 the Wood-Art Machine Co. agreed to produce 10,000 training rifles for the US Navy at a cost of $6.10 each at their factory in Woodbury, NJ. At this time they estimated that they could start delivery on September 1, 1917. On September 19, 1917, the Bureau of Ordnance submitted a requisition to the Wood-Art Machine Co. for 10,000 Training Rifles. On October 25, 1917, Navy contract #32435, requisition 383, for 10,000 training rifles was let. The price per unit was increased to $6.15 due to the cost of shipping them to the Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York. The first deliveries to the Navy Yard were to start November 1, 1917. It appears that the contract was completed in March of 1918. The total cost of this contract was $61,500.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn all probability the Navy sold off all of their serviceable training rifles as surplus following the war. With the availability of large quantities of surplus rifles, I doubt that there would have been much demand for non-firing training rifles. It is possible that the US Training Rifle Co. had a sufficient number of parts remaining after the completion of the Navy contract to assemble some additional training rifles and they probably continued to do so until the supply of parts was depleted. It seems likely that their entire production would have numbered less than 11,000 units. There are unmarked specimens of the US Training Rifle. It is probable that they were produced late in the production run or after the Navy contract had been completed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn its day, the US Training Rifle was the most sophisticated training rifle ever produced and is an excellent replica of the 1903 Springfield.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45489321967685,"sku":"ONAC26B005","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/66EF9229-4309-427D-90CC-1CA7E4C71CAB.jpg?v=1785964024","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-model-1903-springfield-pattern-non-firing-training-rifle-by-u-s-training-rifle-co-with-web-sling","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}