Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have an engraved Savage Arms Corp. Model 1903 slide action rifle manufactured between 1903-1916 with factory floral pattern engraving on the receiver. This is one of Savage’s early attempts at offering embellished rimfire rifles straight from the factory. The Savage Model 1903 was introduced as a slide-action .22 that could handle shorts, longs, and long rifle cartridges. The 24-inch octagon barrel and checkered walnut stock positioned it as a step up from basic utility rifles. Savage manufactured these through 1916 before replacing them with updated models.
Factory engraving on the Model 1903 was an available option but not common. Most buyers wanted working rifles, not decorated ones. The floral pattern engraving on the receiver shows Savage’s attempt to compete with Winchester and Remington in the higher-grade rimfire market. The engraving is relatively simple compared to custom work – neat floral patterns that enhanced appearance without excessive cost. The octagon barrel was standard on the Model 1903, differentiating it from competitors using round barrels. Combined with the checkered stock and factory engraving, this rifle was marketed toward shooters who wanted something nicer than a basic plinker.
Savage Arms Corporation manufactured firearms in Utica, New York during this period. The company built its reputation on affordable, accurate rifles that competed effectively against larger manufacturers like Winchester and Remington. The Model 1903 sold well enough to stay in production for over a decade before being replaced by newer designs. Finding a factory engraved Model 1903 today is uncommon since most buyers ordered plain rifles. The engraved examples that survive show Savage’s willingness to offer custom features during the early 20th century rimfire market.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Fine Factory Engraved Savage Arms Corp. Model 1903 Slide Action Rifle.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1049/1800/factory-engraved-savage-arms-corp-model-1903-rifle. Accessed 29 Dec. 2025.
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