Ross Rifle Unit H.M.S. Canada

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Non-restricted Item #C2212

Ross Rifle Unit H.M.S. Canada

  • Licensing Category: Non-restricted
  • Maker: Ross
  • Model: 1910
  • Caliber/Gauge: .303

  • Description:

    Ross M-10 Mark III rifle with matching bayonet.  This Ross shows a very interesting history by its' various markings.  The rifle shows remnants of a roundel and earlier markings including a #2855; below a steel stud.  Most important it shows a circle with the marking CEF over 16 (Canadian Expeditionary Force 1916) . The left side of the receiver shows the mark DA 97 which was a Chilean Navy marking which is also found on the original bayonet that is included.  This Ross is one of 200 imported into Canada in 1971 from Chile by International Firearms of Montreal.  The history is interesting as these Ross rifles came from the arms locker of the Royal Navy British Battleship H.M.S. Canada.  This ship was built for Chile and was launched in 1913, but purchased by the Royal Navy in 1914.  This ship saw action in the famous Battle of Jutland.  In 1920, the Canada was sold back to Chile as the "Almirante Latorre." The Ross rifles in the ship's arms locker were part of the Ross rifles sold to England in WW1.  We have had a number of these rifles over the years.  This is the only one that we have found with its' original matching bayonet.  This bayonet rides in its' Engllish modified scabbard with the correct modified frog.  Reference see "The Ross Rifle Story" by John Chadwick, pages 68 and 332 /333.  The bayonet is dated 1916 as is the rifle and shows the modified scabbard that is mounted with a surplus British military frog.  The frog and scabbard are blackened.  The scabbard shows an added piece of leather to accomodate the Ross scabbard with the Metford locket.  The buff leather frog shows the British broad arrow, a former army unit marking. The rifle shows both Canadian and English proofs.  The bolt is #DA 107.  The finish is a mix of grey and blue typical of naval issued and used weapons.  The bore rates good to very good overall with light corrosion and sound rifling.  The wood is sound and shows some old added varnish probably from the era of usage.  There is some usage marks and light edge damage.  A very uncommon, if not scarce, Candian Ross Rifle.