finding a keystone spring in a M1 rifle

[RCS]

When imports were available during the 1990's, I decided to ask a friend who worked for one of the mid west imports to look for one with a 1940 dated barrel. During this time an occasional rifle would turn-up with an original keystone spring. When found, most of the time, the keystone spring would be in three or more pieces and you had to shake it out of the op rod. My friend found s/n 168576 with a nice S-A 12-40 barrel, it had a full length keystone spring too. All the other parts were replacement including an unmarked stock. Rifle cost me $450.00. I told my friend it had a keystone spring and he said he would no doubt find more springs. He soon moved to Arizona and never found out if more springs were found.

[1563621]

Worth a little more than 450 now! Nice.

[RCS]

The S-A 12-40 barrel still has the import stamp CAI ST ALB VT too, excellent bore. I used a barn wood SA GHS stock during the restoration

[Arnhem44mad]

When imports were available during the 1990's, I decided to ask a friend who worked for one of the mid west imports to look for one with a 1940 dated barrel. During this time an occasional rifle would turn-up with an original keystone spring. When found, most of the time, the keystone spring would be in three or more pieces and you had to shake it out of the op rod. My friend found s/n 168576 with a nice S-A 12-40 barrel, it had a full length keystone spring too. All the other parts were replacement including an unmarked stock. Rifle cost me $450.00. I told my friend it had a keystone spring and he said he would no doubt find more springs. He soon moved to Arizona and never found out if more springs were found.

What does the little sunburst or star denote on the barrel together left of the date?

Scott

[RCS]

Have talked with other collectors without an answer, this rifle sent to another country then brought back, maybe the star * was applied outside of the USA. Checked the bore which is excellent with a TE of 4.0.

Back in the UK around the WW1 period and before, barrels were sometimes marked with a star or * to indicate a rust spot or pit in the bore. This would give the new owner a sign to pay extra attention to the bore where this marking was applied. Photos show my BSA 1909 with excellent bore and without the * stamp