WW1 Ross Rifle CEF & H.M.S. Canada Marked

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Non-restricted Item #C1282

WW1 Ross Rifle CEF & H.M.S. Canada Marked

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

  • Description:

    We are pleased to offer a unique WW1 Ross M10 rifle.  The uniqueness of this item is not found in its condition or rarity but its history.  The condition is typical of a WW1 trench used rifle with a grey brown petina finish.  The bore rates as very good, bright with light corrosion and sound rifling.  The wood shows its' obvious WW1 and post war usage.  The markings on the wood and metal tell the history of this item.  The right side of the butt shows the Dominion of Canada Quebec roundel, the MK 3 and 1914 the date of production. The butt shows the marking to the 24 Batt C.E.F. issue #509.    This unit (The Victoria Rifles) was mobilized at Montreal and arrived in France and Flanders in September 1915.  The unit and this rifle probably saw service in the early battles of 1915-16 such as Mount Sorrel, The Somme and others.  The markings also show a mark CEF in a circle over 16.  We have not identified this mark, but it may well be a taken out of CEF service marking.  All of the Ross's were replaced in the summer of 1916 with the exception of the Ross Snipers.  The issue Ross rifles were taken to England to the Canadian repair depot. This rifle is marked with the number DA 374.  This number was probably affixed at the Canadian repair depot. This number is found on the receiver and the bolt.  In addition the stock is marked M287 which is probably a rack number.  At some time between 1916 and 1920 this rifle became part of the Arms locker on the H.M.S. Canada.  This dreadnought battle ship  saw service with the British grand fleet and action in the Battle of Jutland. In 1920 the ship was sold to Chile and it remained in service until 1959. In the early 1970's approximately 200 of these Ross Rifles were purchased by Interarmco and sold by International Firearms in Montreal.  All of these rifles showed the DA and numbers on the frames.  We are familiar with this part of the history of these Ross's as we purchased a number of them at that time.  We feel that this rifle tells a unique sotry about the Ross rifle and its' usage. Note this rifle does not show a pinned bolt.  We highly recommend that it should be checked and tested by a licensed gunsmith prior to firing the same.  (Non Restricted)