Translating Ross Markings

[kf4zra]

I wanted to see if any of my northern brothers could help me decipher some of the codes on my latest acquisition. I would love to know more about it. so far all i know is that it was one of about 20,000 that was purchased by the US for training/evaluation purposes.

thank you in advance for any and all help

John

 

[tiriaq]

The number on the wrist is the US serial plus US property mark.
Looks as if the marks on the right side of the butt are the factory Quebec roundel; 3 star model status; the serial number, 48AO, made 1908. This rifle was likely not a *** when made but was upgraded to that model. If you look at the bottom of the barrel underneath the rear sight, you will likely find evidence of a different pattern of rear sight having been fitted previously. On 10-08 (Aug, 1908) it went to the 1 ?RCD? Not sure if these are the letters. RCD, Royal Canadian Dragoons? Just a guess. In March, 1914, 24th Bn, rifle #89. Can't make out the letters overstamped by the numeral 24.
I am sure that there are others here who are more knowledgable than I am.
Many of the US surcharged II*** Rosses were sold off through the NRA in the 20s. Yours looks to be a very presentable specimen, in better shape than many.

 

[Rossguy]

Just what is the white box over the basically meaningless US-applied serial? Or is it not paranoia when they're really watching you?
No US "evaluation" involved buying obsolete, worn-out rifles....training only.

 

[tiriaq]

I have heard that many of the Rosses sent to the US were used by the NY NG. Is this the case?

 

[JP]

A friend just bought one at the SOS/NGD in Louisville, but his was a Ross 1905 MKII 4* also with US markings.

 

[Rossguy]

The MkII 4* surely has the same CanTool barrel sight, and likely also shows a 3* mark as well.Mine does.... I have one of the Hollifield Dotter practice kits marked forthe Ross MkII that also has NYNG logos stencilled on the boxlid. My understanding was that half of the 20,000 went to NYNG originally.

 

[JP]

Yes I think the sight was the same, but No 3* on this rifle. I took a good look since usually the US marked ones are No.3* or 5*.