Early Hammer Spring Housing

[Jersey Devil]

Any thoughts on this hammer spring housing?
It's not in the white, but rather has a worn, blued appearance. Also, note the rough machining.
Is this possibly a WRA housing? Gas trap era housing??
Any info is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
--Brian

[Jersey Devil]

Is it out of the realm of reality to consider this a Model Shop hammer spring housing?

[GBA]

Brian, I think that I might be really dense. I'm not seeing the unique qualities of this part. I think that I have one or two that look like that.

Also, on another slightly different topic. I have a housing that looks like that but without the little hole. What the heck is with that?

[Jersey Devil]

George,
Have a look at the rough milling and squared keyhole. It's blued, not in the white. The few early "in the white" hammer spring housings that I have all show a rounded keyhole.
It just get's me wondering....hmmm.
---Brian

[Jersey Devil]

Further research leads me to believe that this hammer spring housing is a very early production part. I was told this may be only correct for the first few hundred rifles manufactured and assembled.
Anyone else have any thoughts?

[Bubba1]

Some of the very early Springfield rifles had blued hammer spring housings. Winchester also had housings that were blued and/or dulited . The housing is not a modelshop part but possibly early Springfield and/or Winchester. It was used further than just the first hundred rifles . These housings are not rare . If they were only used in the first couple hundred rifles it would stand to reason they would not turn up with regularity in parts bins. It is a nice part and I would use it on an early restoration without hesitation .

[CCyooper]

So other than the finish is there any other characteristic that differentiates it from the later IHC and HRA square housings: width/length of the hole, slightly tapered cuts instead of 90 degree cuts at the base of the square hole, etc?

[Bubba1]

Good question . I do not know the small differences. Maybe Robert will enlighten us.