So, this thread is about a m1903, but considering the specific topic I thought it could belong in this sub forum? I apologize if I'm incorrect.

So I'm looking at a particular springfield 1903, serial number puts it from 1921. The only cartouches I can make out is a C-SAA on the right side of the rifle, then the circle P and a square P on the heel of the rifle behind the trigger guard. Barrel is also from 1921.

My rudimentary knowledge of these topics lead me to believe that the rifle made it's way to San Antonio Armory at some point, was rebuilt and then the square P and C-SAA was placed.

My question is, is it normal to see the cartouche on the right side of the gun? I've usually seen them placed on the left side. Is this indicative of a fake cartouche? In my research it doesn't seem that the C-SAA would be desirable, so that doesn't really make sense to me.

Lastly, it would seem that the only "original" cartouche on the stock would be the circle P. Would a 1921 springfield 1903 leave with some additional marking on the stock?

Thank you guys, and again I apologize if this isn't in the right place.

Is the stock type and details correct for the year? It would have been a straight stock with finger grooves and two stock bolts. I am thinking the proof would be a 1/2” circle serif P behind the trigger guard. DAL inspector initials would have been on the left side.

Sometimes other stocks or new stocks were put on when going through an arsenal. It could also have been replaced and proof marked and later sanded and proof marked again, multiple times through arsenals. Sometimes you can find remnants of older cartouches that have been sanded off in the finish coloring.

The arsenal mark on the right side is not likely a counterfeit. It would not add any value to a mixmaster to counterfeit arsenal markings.

The stock is straight,  low wood, no grooves and two stock bolts with zero inspector cartouches other than the Ps and the C-SAA.

I'm assuming this means that it's a stock replacement, possibly from the arsenal? I guess a follow up question would be, if that was the case, and the squared P would indicate a post war rebuild, wouldn't it be a c stock? I'm lost lol

They commonly sanded stocks during rebuild. The original cartouches may have been removed in that process.

Your rifle most likely originally came with a C stock as an M1903A1.  But during a rebuild process sometime after that it was put into a new stock.  I also have a 1921 dated rifle that should probably be in a C stock but it's in a no groove S stock. (de-bubba'd rifle)

I have an 03A3 with a Keystone C stock.  Not a fan of the C stock.  Prefer the S stock much more.

For a 1921 reciever? I don't think c stocks were user that early? Additionally, shouldn't the 1921 s stock have grooves?

I had to go back and look and yes I got my years mixed up.  1929 was the first year of the 03A1. As for finger grooves I do not know when they were omitted as I cannot find my book to save my life atm.  

That's what I get for posting at work (wrong info) and for cleaning my desk (book gone now).

Thank you for confirming, I am NO expert and your comment made me so confused