Original Item: Only One Available. While scabbards were certainly used to hold rifles during the open range era, those scabbards often held the gun known as the, "Everyman's Gun," the Winchester Model 1873. This particular scabbard was made much later during WWI and did have a maker’s mark and date at one point, but due to the heavy wear, it has worn away.

Interestingly enough, the military scabbards used during the Indian Wars and those used up to and after World War I had something in common: the McClellan saddle. The saddle was designed by George B. McClellan, a career officer in the U.S. Army, in 1859. The McClellan saddle was used by cavalrymen for many years, and while the rifle those troopers carried changed, their riding equipment remained much the same. The McClellan saddle is still used today by the U.S. Army.

This rifle scabbard was known as the M1904, or Model 1904, and would have been paired with the M1904 incarnation of the McClellan saddle. The scabbard was designed to carry the Springfield M1903 rifle, the standard issue American rifle used during World War I. Senior officers often had custom tailored uniforms including custom made jackets in the same style of the Ike Jacket.

The condition of the scabbard is definitely well worn with heavy leather degradation and shrinkage. The leather straps, stitching and brass fittings are all still present and one appears to have had the end break off. The leather fittings all have cracking & crazing. This set could definitely use some proper leather treatment. The leather is rather stiff but should still hold a rifle with some force.

This would make for a wonderful addition to Pre War or Early War U.S. Cavalry displays, especially if you have an old McClellan saddle lying around!

M1903 Springfield History

The M1903 Springfield, officially the United States Rifle, Caliber .30-06, Model 1903, is an American five-round magazine-fed, bolt-action service repeating rifle, used primarily during the first half of the 20th century.

The M1903 was first used in combat during the Philippine–American War,[5] and it was officially adopted by the United States as the standard infantry rifle on June 19, 1903, where it saw service in World War I, and was replaced by the faster-firing semi-automatic eight-round M1 Garand starting in 1936. However, the M1903 remained in service as a standard issue infantry rifle during World War II, since the U.S. entered the war without sufficient M1 rifles to arm all troops. It also remained in service as a sniper rifle during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It remains popular as a civilian firearm, historical collector's piece, a competitive shooting rifle, and as a military drill rifle.