SC 1903a3 Unit Cartouche ID Help!

[wolfgolf96]

Picked up this fresh looking SC 1903a3 from the Tulsa show. I am stumped on the unit ID. Any help with be appreciated!

https://imgur.com/a/0esFbJX

[Scout706]

Gonna need a closer look

[wolfgolf96]

Originally Posted by Scout706

Gonna need a closer look

It says AY 137

[UncleBilly]

Military rifles/pistols don't have unit ID markings on them, they have rack numbers painted on them

[ChuckyPete]

Originally Posted by UncleBilly

Military rifles/pistols don't have unit ID markings on them, they have rack numbers painted on them

There are examples of Trapdoors that have unit markings on them, and I’ve seen at least one 03A4 that had the unit painted on the stock, so it’s not unheard of.

In this case I’d agree it’s most likely a rack number painted on by the unit armorer.

[7,62x51mm]

I have a converted 1903 stock (from 30-03 cal) and on the top tang of the butt plate is marked as follows: H over 8 over 18 which translates to Troop H, 8th Cavalry, Trooper #18.

Stock came from CMP rifle and sent to me by Rick B.

The 8th Cavalry went into Mexico in 1916 on the Punitive Expedition

[wolfgolf96]

Ah I see my folly. I collect English stuff mostly and they were keen on unit ID's for a time. Might be a little hard to tell, but the markings are pretty deep cartouches that have been filled in with white paint. I have several Garand's with painted on numbers which I knew to be rack numbers. However, I had never seen one cartouched like this. Thanks for the info!