Eddystone M1917

[Cedriccj3]

Hello everyone,

I recently inherited an Eddystone M1917. I wish I knew more about its history but all of those details were lost along the way and no one seems to know anything about where it came from.

The rifle has a good amount of surface rust and the bore is full of dust so I havent yet evaluated it, BUT what has caught my attention is the serial number of 72. It is Eddystone "E" marked everywhere but the raised rear sight, which is marked "W". I am struggling to find the E on the nose of the stock, and there is no eagle cartouche present. However, I am reading this could be possible with an original that is early production.

Any insight on other markings I should look for, or general ideas as to the value of this rifle?

 

[dkmatthews]

Wow, that seems to be quite a find. I'm guessing that some of the members around here (like @cubrock) can tell you a thing of two about it.

 

[SnowRooster]

That’s cool!

 

[Cedriccj3]

That’s cool!

Agreed! I've had a lot of fun already learning about M1917 history and searching for all of the "E" markings...

 

[cubrock]

Barrel date is consistent with the serial number. Eddystone didn't produce any complete rifles until September 1917. This likely would have been in that first batch. Hard to say more without having the rifle in hand. I'll be at the Winston-Salem gun show this weekend. If you want to bring it by, I'll have a look at it.

A lot of that surface rust will clean off, but the gun will never be pristine. Don't clean it until you have a really good handle on how to do it properly, as improper cleaning will lessen its value more than if you just left it alone. If you come by the show, I can show you how to do it and a couple products that will make it a lot easier (and lessen the chance of damaging it). Note, I don't sell said products - I use them. I can show you where to get them.

Neat piece! The story behind it may be as mundane as a family member bought it as surplus decades ago. No way to know, I guess.

 

[Cedriccj3]

Thanks for the info, cubrock! I have been nervous to address the rust because as you mentioned, I fear I may do more harm than good. I'm not sure yet if I can make the show this weekend but I will send you a message if it works out. If not, then I hope we can meet at a future show.

 

[Combat Diver]

Very nice!

CD

 

[Chuckman]

I think I have an erection. No, I am certain I have an erection. Very nice. Now find someone who can refurb it and hang it on a wall.

 

[Cedriccj3]

I think I have an erection. No, I am certain I have an erection. Very nice. Now find someone who can refurb it and hang it on a wall.

Chuck, thanks for the laugh! I think she's pretty too...

 

[shadowsbane]

That's a good example for sure. I got one tucked away that is from 1918 I believe. One of my best shooters. They take the same bayonet as the trench shotguns if you are curious