Name/Title
Ross Rifle Model 1910 Mark III M-10Entry/Object ID
FL-75-830Description
A standard-issue Canadian service rifle with an integrated straight-pull bolt mechanism, complete with its corresponding proprietary knife-style bayonet mounted to the muzzle cap and a tan canvas-leather multi-point carrying sling.
Ross Knife Bayonet, Model 1907 (Mark II Modified) Manufacturer: Ross Rifle Company (Quebec, Canada) Date of Acceptance: February 1917Materials: Tempered forged steel blade and crossguard; dual contoured walnut wood grip scales; internal steel leaf-spring catch.Firearm Type
RifleContext
Historical Significance: This specific artifact serves as an outstanding, textbook example of an late-production Ross Mk III rifle that successfully bypassed immediate frontline trench replacement in 1916. Instead, its specific markings indicate transfer to the Canadian Garrison Regiment (C.G.R.) for domestic coastal/facility defense duties between February 1918 and April 1920. Post-1920, the rifle was processed through the United Kingdom's commercial surplus pipeline, verified by double Birmingham Proof House stamps, before entering civilian curation. The missing safety rivet modification on the bolt sleeve indicates this rifle remains in its authentic, original mechanical configuration.Acquisition
Source (if not Accessioned)
Town of BattlefordNotes
Accession Date: 01/01/75Firearm Detail
Manufacturer
Ross Rifle Co.Caliber
.303 BritishAction
Bolt ActionCartridge Capacity
5Finish Type
BluingSerial Number
IR889Place Made
Country
CanadaContinent
North AmericaDate Made
1916Firearm Notes
The Ross Rifle Company used a progressive sequence where numbers from 1 to 999 were paired with alphabetical letter codes stamped into the wooden butt stock alongside a factory roundel and year date. This rifle has IR beside the serial 889.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Receiver Marking, EngravingTranscription
Receiver Ring (Top): ROSS RIFLE CO. / CANADA / M-10 / PATENTED
Barrel Left Over Chamber: .303 NITRO PROOF accompanied by twin Crown / BM stamps (Birmingham Military Proof House) and a Dominion of Canada Caracal Proof (crossed flags with D, C, P). Barrel Upper Left: Inspection code E over Roman numeral II.
Right Bolt Sleeve: Crown / BM definitive commercial proof stamp; manually indexed three-position safety toggle stamped READY.
Stock (Right Side Rear Butt): Stamped unit lines showing 2.18 / C.G.R / 4-20 / 1188 (Struck out sequentially via horizontal score marks), large Roman numeral III., factory serial batch 889 / 1916, and an upgrade code I. High-visibility yellow armory stenciling reads 147 at the base.Notes
Bayonet Markings; Pommel (Left Side): ROSS RIFLE CO. / QUEBEC / PATENTED 1907Pommel (Right Side): Stamped Canadian ownership logo (Broad Arrow inside a C), acceptance date 2/17, modification block mark 11, and Quebec internal factory inspector code 48 sitting beneath a crown outline.Dimensions
Length
50-1/2 inWeight
9-13/16 lbBarrel Length
30-1/2 inDimension Notes
Bayonet Dimensions: Blade Length: 10.0 inches (254 mm)Total Length: 14.5 inches (368 mm)Muzzle Ring Diameter: 0.65 inches (16.5 mm)Material
Carbon Steel, Walnut, BrassLocation
Location
Display Cabinet
TF-FR-N12Room
Firearms RoomBuilding
Fred Light MuseumDate
June 29, 2026Condition
Overall Condition
GoodNotes
Condition Report: Good / Fine. The metal furniture retains approximately 75–80% of its original factory blued finish with minor localized operational wear on high-friction areas (bolt rails, muzzle band). The wooden stock shows superficial field dings, surface bruising, all consistent with active deployment. The bore displays sharp rifling with minor carbon tracking. The bayonet locking catch remains fully responsive under spring tension.Create Date
April 22, 2026Updated By
Justin M. MillerUpdate Date
September 10, 2026
