EXTREMELY SCARCE AND DESIRABLE WWI REMINGTON MODEL 1918 MKI PEDERSEN DEVICE WITH 2 BOXES OF ORIGINAL CARTRIDGES

EXTREMELY SCARCE AND DESIRABLE WWI REMINGTON MODEL 1918 MKI PEDERSEN DEVICE WITH 2 BOXES OF ORIGINAL CARTRIDGES

23-2224
Cal. 30 Pedersen
S# 12892
Bbl. 3 9/16″

The device has an overall length of 12 1/2″. Slide is marked on top right “REMINGTON – BRIDGEPORT / PEDERSEN’S PAT’S. PENDING”. Marked on left side, oriented to be read from the right “U.S.A. 1918 – MARK I 12892” (S#). The device has no visible inspectors’ marks.

Commonly referred to as the “Pedersen Device” the official nomenclature was “U.S. Automatic Pistol, Cal. .30, Model of 1918”. The pistol terminology was adopted in order to maintain secrecy as it was hoped to use a large number of these devices in the planned spring offensive of 1919 which did not take place due to the Armistice in Nov. 1918.

The device was designed by John D. Pedersen, a well-known firearms designer affiliated w/ Remington Arms Company. The concept of greater firepower in the hands of the infantry using the standard bolt action service rifle in a fast-firing semi-auto mode was appealing to the ordnance department & also met the approval of General Pershing who commanded the American forces in France. The device which showed much promise and was taken to France and tested. It greatly impressed General Pershing who recommended its adoption and initial purchase of 100,000 of the devices. The hope was the additional firepower would help break the deadlock in trench warfare.

There were additional plans to adopt modified devices for the Model 1917 rifle and the Russian Mosin Nagant. The modified 1903 Springfield rifle which accepted the device was called “U.S. Rifle, Cal. .30, Model of 1903 Mark I. In order to provide the increased level of firepower the device used a pistol sized cartridge and allowed for the use of a standard service rifle with the added ability to quickly change back to full powered ammunition when the need arose. This change was easily accomplished by the soldier in the field who simply removed the service bolt and placed it in the issue canvas carrying case. He then took the device from its metal carrying case and inserted it into the rifle, locking it in place by pushing down the magazine cutoff. A 40-rd. mag. was inserted in the device to complete the change. When needed the process was easily reversed.

The devices were produced after WWI until 1920 w/ approx. 65,000 completed. Additional 1903 Mark I rifles were made until the late 20s when production ceased. After a number of service tests interest in the devices waned & the majority of them were destroyed by burning in 1931 leaving a few intact examples & some devices assembled from parts salvaged from destruction.

MAGS: 1 – 40 rd. marked “TP” and is provided w/ numbered viewing slots facing the firer to account for the number of cartridges remaining. Mag. is in good condition retaining most of its original finish however the feed lip on the left side is bent inward notably more than the right side.

UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: original unmarked steel carrying case w/ hinged lid and belt hook. Case has light wear retaining a large degree of original dark green parkerization. 2 original 40 rd. boxes of .30 auto pistol ball cartridges. The tan boxes are marked on top “40-CAL. 30 AUTO. PISTOL BALL CARTRIDGES / MODEL OF 1918 / THE REMNGTON ARMS UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE COMPANY, INC. / BRIDGEPORT, CONN.”. Cartridges are head stamped “RA H 19” indicating that although the boxes are labeled Bridgeport, Conn. the cartridges were loaded at the Hoboken, N.J. Ammunition Plant. Boxes have wear sm. tears & light staining. One has taped reinforcement. Ammunition has spots of oxidation but generally good appearance. Also included are 2 reproduction combination wrenches. Wrenches are marked “U.S.A. MARK I REMINGTON – BRIDGEPORT”. Lightly worn wrenches w/ gray phosphate type finish. Leatherette padded carrying case.

STATUS: CURIO