2061

EXTREMELY SCARCE AND DESIRABLE U.S. WWI SEMI-AUTO

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
EXTREMELY SCARCE AND DESIRABLE U.S. WWI SEMI-AUTO
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Aug 06 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
PEDERSEN DEVICE AND ACCOMPANYING MARK I BOLT-ACTION MODEL 1903 MILITARY RIFLE. Cal. 30-06. S# 1193800. Bbl. 24". Marked behind front sight "SA / flaming bomb / 2-20". This MK I bolt-action rifle, which is accompanied by a Pedersen Device, remains a very desirable addition to any WWI collection. The Pedersen device was developed during the later part of WWI by noted firearms designer John Pedersen who worked for Remington Arms. The purpose of the device was to increase the short range fire power needed in the close confines of the trench systems. It is made to replace the bolt in a conventional rifle to allow semi-automatic fire with a large capacity (40-rd) magazine. The design called for modifications to a standard model 1903 service rifle which included the addition of an ejection port in the left receiver rail, a modified magazine cutoff and spindle which retains the device in the rifle and a new trigger equipped with a double sear. The designation for this new rifle is Mark I. In use the soldier withdrew the Pedersen device from its scabbard. The service bolt was then placed in the scabbard to be returned to the rifle when long range fire was needed. There are only a small number of these devices in existence, likely less than 100 and although not actually used in combat, they are very desirable to WWI arms collectors. The Pedersen Device is marked on top right of slide "REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT / PEDERSEN'S PAT'S PENDING". Marked on top left "U.S.A. / 1918-MARK I" and "serial number". The device appears complete and functional, although the barrel section that is shaped like a cartridge case appears to be recently restored, leaving a somewhat worn bore with scattered pitting. The accompanying rifle has the correct markings on the receiver ring and the ejection port in the left rail. The special magazine cutoff and spindle appear to be replacements. Trigger has the correct double-sear. Receiver has Hatcher hole in left side. Bolt marked "7" on top of swept handle. Ladder rear sight without volley notch graduated to 2,850 yards. Blade front sight. Walnut stock set. The buttstock has a fainted boxed "DAL". Has two recoil bolts. Straight grip "S" type stock has encircled "P" proof under grip. The stock appears to have been modified in the area of the ejection port to recreate the clearance of a Mark I stock. All milled furniture including smooth trap buttplate. MAGS: 1 detachable 40 round. Mag. has numbers and holes at the rear to ascertain contents. Mag. is marked only with "14" at the floorplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: green web magazine pouch marked "R.I.A. / 9-19". Model 1910 belt hook. Cover is secured with lift the dot fastener and contains provision for five magazines. Khaki web belt pouch which contains the bolt when not in use is marked "R.I.A." and "1919". Blued steel combination wrench. Accompanying the lot are two tan boxes which originally held 200 rounds of cartridges. Boxes are marked "REMINGTON ARMS". Boxes are in poor incomplete condition. Also included is an issue of "The Blue Press" by Dillon Precision, March 2013 contains a nice concise article on the Pedersen Device. There are 11 tan 40 round boxes of ball ammunition. Boxes are marked "40-CAL. 30 AUTO.PISTOL / BALL CARTRIDGES / MODEL OF 1918 / THE REMINGTON ARMS / UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE COMPANY, INC. / BRIDGEPORT, CONN.". All boxes except one appears to be full. The partial box contains 30 cartridges. CONDITION: rifle has an arsenal refinished stock rendering markings obscure and has a notable softening of edges and loss of wood in inletted areas. Metal retains 80% of a worn arsenal rework finish. Magazine cutoff has a notable light gray finish. The device has turned an overall gray with moderate wear. Rear of device with thumb piece appears to be better finished replacement. Rifle bore remains somewhat shiny with heavily worn lands. Magazine has moderate wear and scattered spots of light oxidation. PROVENANCE: Military Museum Collection of Shooters Outpost, Hooksett NH. (26-19/RW). MODERN. (26-28/RW). CURIO. $20,000-30,000.