EXTREMELY RARE MODEL 1918 MARK I PEDERSEN DEVICE WITH CAN.

EXTREMELY RARE MODEL 1918 MARK I PEDERSEN DEVICE WITH CAN. SN 27513. Cal. 30 Pistol. Very rare Pedersen device designed by J.D. Pedersen as a tool designer and employee of Remington Arms. He first tested the device in a specially modified 1903 rifle in late 1917. He demonstrated the rifle and device to the Chief of the Small Arms Division, Gen. Crozier, the Chief of Ordnance and his staff on Oct. 8, 1917. Gen. Crozier and his staff were taken with the device and immediately dispatched Capt. John C. Beatty to France for a demonstration to Gen. Pershing. On Oct 13, 1917 the Board again tested the device and recommended adoption as soon as possible with an initial order for 100,000 devices. On Dec. 11, 1917 Gen. Pershing requested that 100,000 of the devices and modified rifles be sent to him as soon as possible. On Jan. 23, 1918 Remington Arms was given an order for 100,000 devices which were given the nomenclature of “U.S. AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CAL. 30, MODEL OF 1918” and the modified rifle was given the nomenclature “U.S. RIFLE, CAL. 30, MODEL OF 1903 MARK I”. This device and modified rifle were designed to fire a caliber 30 pistol size cartridge that produced about 1300 ft./sec, less than half of the muzzle velocity of the 30-06. On Nov. 11, 1918 the Armistice was signed ending WWI and effectively the need for the Pedersen device. By March 1, 1919 production of the Mark I Pedersen device had reached 65,000 pcs and the contract was canceled. By that time Springfield had manufactured 133,450 Mark I rifles. The rifles remained at Springfield and were altered to standard Model 1903 military rifles and in April 1931 all of the Mark I Pedersen devices were ordered destroyed. Obviously a very few Pedersen devices survived the destruction order and occasionally one will come to market. Rarely however, are they in nearly new condition and the carrying can is even more rare. Accompanied by an orig Pedersen device stamped sheet metal can about 13-3/8″ long with welded seams and a ribbed top with side opening hinged lid and metal hanger spot-welded to back, which has a bent brass wire web belt hanger. These cans were nearly all destroyed and are substantially more rare than the device itself. Top of breech block is marked “U.S.A. 1918-MARK I / SERIAL NUMBER”. The right side is marked “REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT / PEDERSEN’S PAT’S PENDING”. CONDITION: The device is complete & functional retaining 85-90% orig gray/green Parkerized finish. Mechanics are fine. The can has one small dent on backside and a few light nicks & scratches and retains about all of its gray/green Parkerized finish. 4-38736 JR115 (15,000-25,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1048	$34,500.00	EXTREMELY RARE MODEL 1918 MARK I PEDERSEN DEVICE WITH CAN. SN 27513. Cal. 30 Pistol. Very rare Pedersen device designed by J.D. Pedersen as a tool designer and employee of Remington Arms. He first tested the device in a specially modified 1903 rifle in late 1917. He demonstrated the rifle and device to the Chief of the Small Arms Division, Gen. Crozier, the Chief of Ordnance and his staff on Oct. 8, 1917. Gen. Crozier and his staff were taken with the device and immediately dispatched Capt. John C. Beatty to France for a demonstration to Gen. Pershing. On Oct 13, 1917 the Board again tested the device and recommended adoption as soon as possible with an initial order for 100,000 devices. On Dec. 11, 1917 Gen. Pershing requested that 100,000 of the devices and modified rifles be sent to him as soon as possible. On Jan. 23, 1918 Remington Arms was given an order for 100,000 devices which were given the nomenclature of “U.S. AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CAL. 30, MODEL OF 1918” and the modified rifle was given the nomenclature “U.S. RIFLE, CAL. 30, MODEL OF 1903 MARK I”. This device and modified rifle were designed to fire a caliber 30 pistol size cartridge that produced about 1300 ft./sec, less than half of the muzzle velocity of the 30-06. On Nov. 11, 1918 the Armistice was signed ending WWI and effectively the need for the Pedersen device. By March 1, 1919 production of the Mark I Pedersen device had reached 65,000 pcs and the contract was canceled. By that time Springfield had manufactured 133,450 Mark I rifles. The rifles remained at Springfield and were altered to standard Model 1903 military rifles and in April 1931 all of the Mark I Pedersen devices were ordered destroyed. Obviously a very few Pedersen devices survived the destruction order and occasionally one will come to market. Rarely however, are they in nearly new condition and the carrying can is even more rare. Accompanied by an orig Pedersen device stamped sheet metal can about 13-3/8″ long with welded seams and a ribbed top with side opening hinged lid and metal hanger spot-welded to back, which has a bent brass wire web belt hanger. These cans were nearly all destroyed and are substantially more rare than the device itself. Top of breech block is marked “U.S.A. 1918-MARK I / SERIAL NUMBER”. The right side is marked “REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT / PEDERSEN’S PAT’S PENDING”. CONDITION: The device is complete & functional retaining 85-90% orig gray/green Parkerized finish. Mechanics are fine. The can has one small dent on backside and a few light nicks & scratches and retains about all of its gray/green Parkerized finish. 4-38736 JR115 (15,000-25,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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