Indicators of original finish?

[clintonhater]

The punch mark in the flaming bomb is not consistent. I have one 1903 NM that is totally original, and another that was a U.S. Coast Guard team rifle that was returned to Springfield for total overhaul. The totally original rifle has the punch mark, and the totally rebuild rifle does not.

Valuable info, as some sources are dogmatic about this point. No matter how stringent the rules are, there's always room for human error.

[Scott Wilson]

Gentlemen, thanks for all of the observations, I learned some important points.

[John Beard]

Please oblige us with a picture of the receiver ring showing the serial number.

Thanks! And Merry Christmas!

J.B.

[Scott Wilson]

Here you are.

SN.jpg

[John Beard]

I appears reasonably certain that you have one of those. Thanks for obliging us!

Merry Christmas!

J.B.

[Scott Wilson]

What is "One of those?"

[J.J.]

Looks like USMC front sight cover. These can go for $50-$80 when you can find them.
J.J.