A representative example of a prototype Model 1901 carbine assembled utilizing later Model 1903 rifle parts and a modified Model 1898 Krag rear sight. Marked "11/LT./TOWNSEND WHELEN/30-03/1901" on top of the receiver. Townsend Whelen, later promoted to Colonel, was an avid big game hunter and author, having written dozens of books and hundreds of articles on guns and hunting. "B" marked behind the lower tang. Includes brass muzzle cap and Rock Island Arsenal leather sling. Pages 2-20 of the book "The Springfield Model 1903 Rifles" by Lieutenant Colonel William Brophy discusses the 1901 experimental rifles.