1075 HIGHLY DESIRABLE AND METICULOUSLY RESTORED US

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 5,000.00 USD
Estimated at 10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
MARINE CORPS 1ST ISSUE SPRINGFIELD GAS TRAP M-1 GARAND RIFLE. Cal. 30-06. S# 3481. Bbl.24". This very early rifle was one of the first lot of 400 issued to the 2nd. Marine Brigade, FMF, MCB, at San Diego California on Jan. 24,1939. The rifle is accompanied by a copy of a letter from Springfield Research Service to noted firearms author Scott Duff detailing the research on this particular rifle and the sources of the information. The rifle is listed by serial number and was manufactured between August 26, and September 23 rd 1938. It was subsequently inspected, reinspected, used in qualification firing and was last reported in the USMC on May 9, 1940. These rifles were the first production models of the iconic and widely used semi-automatic military rifle developed by John C. Garand, The new rifle was adopted January 9,1936 and became known for the name of its designer as the M-1 Garand. This rifle proved a great success and was widely used for many years and by many nations. The "Gas Trap" method of operation was replaced by "Gas Port" and a great many of these early rifles were rebuilt with the new system making an unaltered Garand a highly desirable collectors piece. The rifle has the original "Flush Nut" rear sight with the "Battle Range" elevation knob. The sight cover has a drawing number "B 8872". The blade front sight has protective wings with striations and a drawing number "B8882". The The markings on this rifle have been enhanced with white. The replacement barrel is marked on top under the rear handguard "REPRO" and "1997". The throat gauges less than 1. The muzzle was not gauged due to the gas trap. The receiver is marked on the right front corner with " D 28291" and " F" over tiny "B" visible when inverted. Has two punch proofs on the receiver bridge. The receiver has the welded " seventh round stoppage" repair inside the right rail. First revision bolt marked"D 28287 -1" with "J3B". The receiver and bolt both have two punch proofs. Slant cut two piece operating rod marked "D 35382-0". Rod has stress relief cut. Operating rod with "Keystone" springs is marked with " C-46014" on one side and on opposite side with "R". Early production gas cylinder with flutes and square sight base and numbered " D 28289". Plug with lightning cut is marked "B-8876-4. Unnumbered stacking swivel. Trigger Housing marked with drawing number " D 28290". Wide hammer stop pad. Floor plate tangs w/ angled cut. Milled trigger guard has the early grasping rings and drawing #" C-46025". Hammer numbered "C 46008-1". Trigger has" -2 " visible. Safety marked "C 46015-4". Walnut stock set. The buttstock has the modification for the trap buttplate including the deep storage holes visible when the buttplate is removed. Stock is marked on the left side with a boxed "S.A. S.P.G. the inspection marking of Stanley P. Gibbs. The encircled "P" proof is under the grip close to the trigger guard. Drawing # "D28293" is located on the belly of the stock. Buttplate is unmarked. Rear swivel screw marked "B 8881-6". Swivel has "B 8889". Rear hand guard is unmarked and has grooved band. Unmarked grooved lower band with solid pin. The front handguard is not numbered. " Lip type" front handguard ferrule. Well worn WW1 contract model 1907 leather sling marked "W.T.&B. CO. 1918". UNNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: nylon camouflage carrying case. CONDITION: The stock set retains a good amount of its original finish and crisp markings with the wear and handling marks expected from years of careful service. There is a missing chip at the toe app. 3/4" X 3/4". The receiver, operating rod, sights and barrel bands retain app. 50 percent of their original worn finish. The bolt, trigger housing assembly and gas cylinder assembly show more finish likely from a period arsenal replacement. The bolt does not always start open freely and may require a sharp tug. Very good shiny bore with sharp lands. (24-3796/RW). CURIO. $10,000-15,000.