Beschreibung:

Designed by famed gun designer John Pedersen in 1917 to help the United States military gain the upper hand in a new age of static trench warfare, after entering the First World War. Instead of attempting to create an entirely new firearm during what was, at the time, the world's greatest conflict, Pedersen opted to design a semi-automatic device that utilized a special .30 caliber pistol cartridge (developed by John Pedersen) that could simply be inserted into the U.S. military's already existing stocks of Springfield Model 1903 bolt action rifles. This was approached by modifying a number of Model 1903 rifles, adding a narrow oval ejection port to the left side of the receiver, altering the stock to allow for clearance of spent casing through said ejection port, modifying the magazine cut-off, as well as introducing a new sear and trigger. Rifles altered in this way received the designation Model 1903 Mark I and were intended to provide infantrymen with a high rate of fire while engaging in confines of trench warfare, while still offering the option of the .30-06 cartridge's power while engaging combatants at a distance. Once reaching mass production, the U.S. military ordered 500,000 Pedersen Devices, envisioning World War I to carry on into 1919. Ultimately, peace came too early for the Pedersen Device to ever be fielded, with existing devices, magazines, and ammunition being ordered to be destroyed in early 1931. This Model 1903 Mark I rifle was manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1918, with the barrel bearing an appropriate "SA" above a flaming bomb proof over "10-18/ A", indicating manufacture by Springfield in October of 1918. The receiver is stamped "U.S./ SPRINGFIELD/ ARMORY/ MODEL 1903./ MARK I" over the serial number and retains its proper magazine cut-off and screw. The Pedersen Device is marked "U.S.A. 1918-MARK I/ 972" on the left side, with "REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT/ PEDERSEN'S PAT'S. PENDING" on the right. The device features cocking serrations on either side, as well as an extension mimicking a .30-06 cartridge case that features extremely shallow rifling to stabilize the small .30 caliber ammunition. The stock of the rifle features a faint "EHD" cartouche on the left-hand side, with a standard encircled "P" proof present on the bottom of the grip. Butt trap retains an early variation nickel plated brass cleaning kit, complete with its oiler and cleaning pull through. This already seldom encountered example is accompanied by a 1918 canvas belt, canvas bolt carrier pouch, 2 canvas 5-cell magazine pouches, World War I canteen and carrier, as well as a period bayonet. CONDITION: Metal components retain the vast majority of their arsenal reapplied green parkerized finish, showing some areas of light wear as well as areas of oil staining. Mirror bore, exhibiting well-defined lands and grooves throughout. Stock is good, as arsenal refurbished, exhibiting some scattered nicks and impressions, as well as a minor loss at the toe. "EHD" on left side is soft. Handguard has been replaced and is of World War II vintage. Pedersen Device is good overall, showing moderate oxidation all around, with the cocking piece exhibiting areas of age-related discoloration. Right magazine retaining "finger" appears to be a later replacement. Magazine retains the vast majority of its black parkerized finish, showing some light wear and scattered superficial handling marks. Very few examples of the Pedersen Device evaded destruction, resulting in them being rare to see even in some of the most advanced collections and making for an excellent opportunity for one to obtain an extremely scarce and sought after Pedersen Device. MLW Name Value Accessories Canvas belt, two magazine pouches, canvas bolt carrier, canteen, bayonet Barrel Length 24" Caliber/Bore .30-06 Springfield Drop at Comb Drop at Heel FFL Status Curio & Relic Length of Pull Manufacturer (A) Springfield Armory (B) Remington Arms Co. Model (A) 1903 Mark I (B) 1918 Pedersen Device