Eddystone M1917

[Ret-Sarge]

Picked up a May 1918 made Eddystone M1917 Enfield along with a Yugoslavian M70 this past weekend at the gunshow. Out of 38 parts known to be manufacturer marked, there are four parts that aren't Eddystone made and one I can't figure out who made it.

The handguard ring and magazine spring are marked R for Remington, floor plate marked W for Winchester and barrel marked JA for Johnson Automatics. The one I can't ID the manufacturer for is the bolt stop rest, all I can find on it is the Eagle proof/inspector stamp.

This thing was so covered in cosmoline/grease that I swear my hands (I forgot to put gloves on) won't dry out or rust for at least a year.

Some quick pictures of it.

[Phosphorus32]

I love the M1917. It’s the great American rifle of WWI. Okay, Mauser-derived, British-designed, but American-produced. That’s a beautiful example with great Parkerizing, dark aged walnut and sharp-edged grasping grooves. Congratulations! 

[echo1]

Nice. I've got a sport job that's salvageable that I hope to get after NEXT year. PAX

[Ret-Sarge]

Thank you for the responses. I've considered changing out the non Eddystone parts, well not the barrel.

The magazine spring and floorplate would be easy to do,  along with the bolt stop rest. The handguard ring, would require removal of the front sight, which would be a pain in the backside.

Already got a lead on a few reproduction M1907 leather slings, and brass oiler/cleaning kit for the buttstock. Just need to get a decent bayonet for it. Then start looking for the next firearm/milsurp for the collection, maybe a M1903 or Krag or ?

[Phosphorus32]

If it were mine I’d leave it as is, rather than trying to correct the parts. It isn't as-issued (very rare for American military firearms) but it is probably “as-refurbished” by an American arsenal.

[Cz315]

I have a soft spot for 1917s. If you do decide to "correct" let me know, I think I should have E spring and floor plates.

[Ret-Sarge]

If it were mine I’d leave it as is, rather than trying to correct the parts. It isn't as-issued (very rare for American military firearms) but it is probably “as-refurbished” by an American arsenal.

True, the only parts on my milsurps that have been changed by me are ones that were missing, broken, or un-serviceable (For shooting purposes). Everything else has been left as found. One of the reasons I'm on the fence with this one, since it's just small parts, except the barrel.

[Ret-Sarge]

I have a soft spot for 1917s. If you do decide to "correct" let me know, I think I should have E spring and floor plates.

Awesome, I'll keep that in mind, and I really do appreciate the offer.

[Phosphorus32]

M1907 repro, though not WWI marked

https://www.gunboards.com/threads/for-sale-high-quality-replica-ria-1941-leather-m1907-slings-new-unused.1248481/

[Greasemonkey]

I do like the M1917.. I have a M1903 and 2 Krags.. but I always go for one of the m1917s.. it's just a preference to the large beefy design. Been thinking on and off about a P14 in .303 British.

2 Winchesters..

[Ret-Sarge]

I do like the M1917.. I have a M1903 and 2 Krags.. but I always go for one of the m1917s.. it's just a preference to the large beefy design. Been thinking on and off about a P14 in .303 British.

2 Winchesters..

Yeap, there are a lot of rifles on my wish list. Want a No 1 Enfield to go with my No 4. Then there is the want of an 1903, Krag, Springfield 1861 and 1863, Trapdoor. No sooner do I mark one gun off the list I add 3 more to it.

I've purchased 5 firearms, plus a parts kit in the last 10 months.

[echo1]

I do like the M1917.. I have a M1903 and 2 Krags.. but I always go for one of the m1917s.. it's just a preference to the large beefy design. Been thinking on and off about a P14 in .303 British.
2 Winchesters..

Yeap, there are a lot of rifles on my wish list....

Don't get me started, I've been downsizing... Although I have been considering looking for the cheapy .22 sub gun knockoff that were around in the '60s & '70. PAX

[Bacarnal]

Let me see what parts I have left for the 1917.  I'll get back with you next week or you can send me a PM.  Cheers!!

[Ret-Sarge]

20 lbs of vintage American firepower, the Enfield with its younger cousin the Garand.

1943 Springfield M1 Garand
1918 Eddystone M1917 Enfield

[Ret-Sarge]

Sorry for the drool/slobber spot on the Garand stock. Charlie our male Alaskan Malamute-Siberian Husky (Alusky) mix had to check them out and give his approval. Managed to take a picture before Katya our female Siberian Husky came to give her approval.

[Greasemonkey]

20 lbs of vintage American firepower, the Enfield with its younger cousin the Garand.

1943 Springfield M1 Garand
1918 Eddystone M1917 Enfield

   They definitely made them heavy duty back in the day..  always fun.....NOT.....  to shove just over 8 pounds of loaded drum magazine into an 11 pound rifle, it quickly becomes a 19 pound chunk. The drum looks awesome, but it's not really practical having 2 boxes of 45acp hanging there, I just stick to the simple stick magazines anymore.

[Ret-Sarge]

[quote author=Greasemonkey link=topic=7247.msg78569#msg78569

   They definitely made them heavy duty back in the day..  always fun.....NOT.....  to shove just over 8 pounds of loaded drum magazine into an 11 pound rifle, it quickly becomes a 19 pound chunk. The drum looks awesome, but it's not really practical having 2 boxes of 45acp hanging there, I just stick to the simple stick magazines anymore.


[/quote]

Wow, now that is sweet. Would love to add one of those to the herd also. Darn it, now my list is growing bigger.

Couldn't imagine hauling 20 lbs of rifle around. Heck just in the standard configuration, plus all the gear, then lugging it across Europe on foot was/is a major workout. People were smaller frame/weight and the guns were heavier back then that is for sure.

[Cz315]

The cat is the boss   

[Ret-Sarge]

The cat is the boss   

Yeap, their Buddy Bob the Black Bobbed Tailed Beast. We lost him due to old age and health issue a few months back. The dogs still look for him at times.

[Greasemonkey]

Oh, you hang around long, we can cause a list..  . It's an enabling bunch here..  especially the P32 guy.. thankfully he retired.