Original Item. Only One Available. There were many variations of what would become the 1903 Springfield. Once the overall design was chosen, a spike-type bayonet with storage in the forend of the stock was added to the design. This new design was accepted, type classified and officially adopted as the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, Model 1903 and entered production in 1903. The M1903 became commonly known among its users as the "aught-three" in reference to the year, 1903, of first production.

Despite Springfield Armory's use of a two-piece firing pin and other slight design alterations, the M1903 was, in fact, a Mauser design, and after that company brought suit, the U.S. government was judged to pay $250,000 in royalties to Mauser Werke.

By January 1905, over 80,000 of these rifles had been produced at the federally-owned Springfield Armory. However, President Theodore Roosevelt objected to the design of the sliding rod-type bayonet used as being too flimsy for combat. In a letter to the secretary of war, he said:

I must say that I think that ramrod bayonet is about as poor an invention as I ever saw. As you observed, it broke short off as soon as hit with even moderate violence. It would have no moral effect and mighty little physical effect.

All the rifles to that point consequently had to be re-tooled for a blade-type bayonet, called the "M1905". The sights were also an area of concern, so the new improved Model 1904 sight was also added.

This is an extremely scarce example of the early Ramrod bayonet utilized on the very early 1903 Springfields. After the design was changed, most of the 80,000 rifles were changed, with very few surviving with the ramrod. This is that ramrod, measuring 23½” long with some rusting across and a small wire tied near the end. These are extremely scarce to find in any condition and will make a great restoration project.

Comes ready for further research and display.