interesting dilemma

[saxman]

Do the 03A1 parts have maker codes like M1 Carbine parts? If so, and you put the correct parts on it, I believe it becomes a 'restored' rifle. The 'correct original' must have all it's original parts. Admittedly, a master of matching finishes and aging parts can do one that you can't tell. Most M1 Carbines that you see in early WWII set-up are 'restored' or more commonly called 'put-togethers', but the sellers at the shows don't really advertise this, if they even know. Just like Lugers that have been 'matched' using correct, properly-numbered authentic parts - it can be very hard to tell sometimes if the parts are all original to that individual gun. If the parts' finish has been altered to match the rest of the gun, then that Luger is 'boosted' in my book.