I just finished cleaning my 1903 up the other day, and while holding it yesterday I noticed a couple marks on it I didn't notice while it was dirt. On the left side (opposite bolt handle) of the stock are three distinguishable marks that appear to be inked and not stmpaed. First are the letters RA (I believe it's an A, but half is worn off) possibly in a box (could just be the grain), followed by the crest with the crossed cannons, and finally a box with the letters EJA. There are also two stamped on underside near the trigger/grip area; both are a P in a circle, but one appears to be raised and the other is stamped and about 10% larger.

Just curious what these meant.

The EJA is most likely FJA.

FJA is an inspection mark.  Stands for Lt.Col. Frank J. Atwood.  This would have been applied when the rifle was first built.

RA is a rebuild mark.  Stands for Raritan Arsenal which is where the rifle was rebuilt.

P is a firing proof mark.  Two of them simply means it was proofed a second time when rebuilt.

LL

Wha! Those are my grandpas initials! that was the rifles he left to me when he died. Now give it back!!

Quoted: The EJA is most likely FJA. FJA is an inspection mark.  Stands for Lt.Col. Frank J. Atwood.  This would have been applied when the rifle was first built. RA is a rebuild mark.  Stands for Raritan Arsenal which is where the rifle was rebuilt. P is a firing proof mark.  Two of them simply means it was proofed a second time when rebuilt. LL

Negatory good buddy. RA stands for Remington Arms. The stock is most likely originally a Remington M1903A3 stock. I bet if NeoWeird looks harder at the left side of the butt, he will see a RIA/EB rebuild stamping.

Quoted: Negatory good buddy. RA stands for Remington Arms. The stock is most likely originally a Remington M1903A3 stock. I bet if NeoWeird looks harder at the left side of the butt, he will see a RIA/EB rebuild stamping.

You are in fact right. I didn't notice it because there are several BURN marks on the rifle, along with a massive amount of dings and dents, even after steaming out the smaller ones. The RIA over the EB is there in a box, it's just a bit harder to see than the other marks. So what does the RIA/EB mean?

Quoted: Quoted: Negatory good buddy. RA stands for Remington Arms. The stock is most likely originally a Remington M1903A3 stock. I bet if NeoWeird looks harder at the left side of the butt, he will see a RIA/EB rebuild stamping. You are in fact right. I didn't notice it because there are several BURN marks on the rifle, along with a massive amount of dings and dents, even after steaming out the smaller ones. The RIA over the EB is there in a box, it's just a bit harder to see than the other marks. So what does the RIA/EB mean?

RIA = Rock Island Arsenal
EB = Elmer M. Bjerke, Foreman of Small Arms Inspection at RIA from 1947-1958

Rock Island Arsenal rebuild.  EB was the inspector, Elmer Bjerkes or some such.  Don't have the book in front of me.

I based the RA mark on this page: m1903.com/rbmarks.htm

I have a RA stamped Smith Corona 1903A3 that came in it's original NRA box that was shipped directly from Raritan Arsenal to the person that bought it through the NRA in the '60s (for $19 I might add).

I did a little searching and found that RA-P (or RA-something) would be a Raritan Arsenal stamp.  I apologize if I threw out bad information.

LL

No sweat. Now I know what the RA-P means if I ever see it.

Always remember: If it adds knowledge, it's always good information.