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Item No.:	8099	Price :	SOLD
Item :	U.S.M.C. M1903A1 SNIPER RIFLE W/ UNERTL SCOPE AND 3-WAR MARINE VETERAN GROUPING

Description :

This is an extensive grouping of items belonging to Sgt. Major Clayton McAndrew. McAndrew was a veteran of three wars, serving in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam as a sniper. He served on Guadalcanal in 1942, Cape Gloucester and New Britain in 1943, and was wounded on Peleliu in 1944. He served in Korea from Dec. 1951 until Sept. 1952 as 1st Sgt., I Co., 3rd Bn., 1st Marines. In April of '52 he became Battalion Operations Chief. He served in Vietnam in the mid-1960's, taking part in Operation Harvest Moon in the Que Son area of Quang Nam Province in Dec. 8 to Dec. 20, 1965. In peace time he served tirelessly as a promoter of Marine marksmanship, actively competing and winning a number of awards for the Marine Corps and instructing young Marines in the science of shooting. He retired in 1968 and was presented with the M1903A1 Sniper Rifle pictured here. This is a superb example of the U.S. Marine Corps Model 1903A1 Sniper Rifle. It is in excellent condition and as nice an example as probably exists anywhere. The rifle exhibits all of the correct features as detailed by Brody, Senich, and Canfield. The serial number falls within the correct range of known sniper rifles as does the serial number of the scope. The handguard is correctly milled. The bolt is polished bright and etched with the rifle's serial number. The rifle retains more than 95% of its parkerized finish. The Springfield Barrel is dated "10-42". It has a brilliant bore in excellent condition. It is not star-gauged barrel, but a number of these rifles did not. The mechanics work perfectly. The full pistol grip Type "C" stock is excellent as well with just one very tiny ding on the right top of the pistol grip. The rifle is fitted with a fine U.S. Model 1907 Leather sling made by Boyt and dated 1944. The cap of the grip is inscribed "R.P.S. 1968", which must refer in some way to Sgt. Major McAndrews retirement from service. The 8x Unertl Scope is in excellent condition with 98% of its blued finish remaining. It is marked "J. UNERTL" over "USMC-SNIPER" over "2758". It retains both lens caps and has great clear optics. The bases are Unertl marked. The grouping of personal effects includes over 150 B&W service-related photos, the Sergeant Major's Dress Blue uniform complete with waist belt and buckle, his swagger stick and inscribed Kabar fighting knife, numerous medals, shooting badges and patches, rifle bag, other personal items, and all of his service records over his 26-year career. Paperwork is extensive, including official orders, awards, discharge/reenlistment certificates, commendations and official correspondence. Some items are signed by notable historical figures, General Officers and prominent Marine Commandants. The fighting knife is made by Utica Cutlery and has McAndrew's name etched in the fuller on the right side of the blade. The rifle bag is a good item, made of canvas specifically for a M1903A1 w/ Scope. It is stenciled with the Marine Corps Globe and Anchor and McAndrew's name. Most of the photos are of Korea and provide an interesting insight into this war. For the advanced collector, this is a superb rifle and grouping. It is associated with a known USMC sniper who served in three wars and is in stellar condition. The historical significance of the related items can not be understated. Please note that included in the original paperwork are notes assembled by several collectors. These show or mention several items that are no longer with the set. These include a wool 1st Marine Division patch, a small M-1 Rifle pin, and Vietnam Jungle Boots. These have apparently been pilfered over the years. Also, this will be an expensive set to ship. We will pack the rifle and scope in a hard case. The other items will be shipped in separate packaging. Depending on your location, shipping could exceed $100. Thanks! Stock no. 21339

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