This is a unique example of a U.S. Winchester Model 1917 bolt action rifle that has been arsenal fitted with a Winchester Model A5 telescopic sight with the scarce Mann-Niedner scope bases. This example is similar to the one pictured on page 7 and 8 in the book: "USMC Scout-Snipers" by Senich. This type of mount used a reversed dovetailed scope base that just slid on and was held by the force of the rifle recoil. They were a big improvement over the standard Winchester A5 bases, as they were more robust and did not use the small, easily lost retaining screws. The Model 1917 rifle was the primary bolt action rifle used by both the U.S. Army and USMC during and after WWI. The top of the receiver is marked "U.S./MODEL OF 1917/WINCHESTER/376166" under the scope base, and the barrel is roll-marked with the Winchester markings of "W/US Ordnance Bomb proof/7-18". The left receiver rail is stamped with the ordnance bomb, proof and a double "Eagle Head" proof is on top of the receiver rail. It has the correct Winchester bolt that is marked on the underside of the handle, "W" and "N.S." It has milled components with a mix of manufacturer's proofs on the various parts. Its fitted with a semi-pistol grip walnut stock and handguard with two boxed cartouches/rebuild proofs on the left side ("R/A-P" and "3 GM-K") and a small "eagle head" proof on the underside ahead of the trigger guard. The rifle, as noted, is fitted with an original Winchester A5 Telescopic sight. The top of the tube is rolled stamped in two lines with the Winchester factory markings, address and patent date followed by "A5". As noted, it is fitted with a set of the first type of Mann-Niedner scope mounts with the improved foot on the scope mount but that still used the original Winchester windage and elevation knobs with the small windage/elevation pointer that has been added to the mount. The scope bases are mounted 8 1/4 inches center to center on top of the receiver and barrel. This is the type of mount typically used by the USMC in late WWI and also during the post-war years. It also comes with a 1923 Kerr-NoBuckl canvas sling.

Very fine as arsenal refurbished and assembled with 85% of the green/gray parkerized finish overall showing minor edge and high spot wear. The stock and handguards are all very fine as arsenal refurbished with clear distinct cartouches/proofs on the sides and the wood showing only very minor handling marks. The scope is very fine with 90% of the original blue finish overall showing light thinning of the blue and clear sharp markings on top of the tube. The windage and elevation knobs turn and work correctly, and the optics, but the crosshairs are rotated 45 degrees in an "X" pattern. A unique representative example of a scarce WWI USMC type sniper rifle.