Crazy,solid Bronze 1917

[Dan Shapiro]

That idea of being missing from a war monument is not far-fetched:

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/W..._Gallipolis_OH

The notation says that the missing rifle was replaced by a rifle resembling a Springfield '03 - like similar monuments in the area. It would appear that people still believe the Doughboys were only armed with Springfields.

[ikesdad]

Is that statue holding a #4 mk1 ?

[Fred Pillot]

Art students make stuff like that. Just another thought.

[da gimp]

an experienced officer here was in doubt that it came off a statue..... as we could not find any marks where the hands of a doughboy would be holding it on that cast rifle..............after talking. we both doubted that they'ld make the rifle so easily detached from a statue....

[Dick Hosmer]

My guess would be a punishment rifle - "Here, Mr. Dumbjohn, take a few laps with this at port arms, smartly now!"