Hello to the forum.
I've been looking around here for a little while, and this seems like the perfect place to ask about my rifle.
I have owned it for about 5 years now. It was given to me by an uncle. I believe he purchased it in maybe the 60's, through the NRA.
It came to me in a box, wrapped in some kind of padded paper material, and covered in a sticky goo. I have come to find out this is probably cosmoline.
After reading a lot of threads here about these rifles, here are my observations.
The barrel, safety, and receiver are parkerized. (I think) From what I have read, this would be right for an original 03/A3. I'm finding "R"'s on all of the parts that I can see.
My questions would be, could this be an all original rifle? The wood looks to be untouched. Not a scratch or ding on it. And all of the screws look un-touched. Not a mark on them.
Also, would it possibly hurt the price of it if I cleaned up the cosmoline. It looks kind of crappy in the pictures, and I'm sure it would clean up very beautifully.
I am thinking of selling it, as it just sits in my basement. And the funds could go toward a new camera body or lens.
Any and all info would be very welcome, including a range of possible resale values.
One pic I forgot to take was the markings on the barrel. RA, over the bomb, with 9 43 under.
Here are the pics, and if any more are needed, feel free to ask.
Above is the info on the box it came in. Thought it might help. Thanks.