This is an excellent example of another very rare experimental fiberglass stock and hand guard assembly as produced by Springfield Armory that was installed on a very early M1 receiver. As previously noted these all fiberglass resin type stocks were developed in the late 1950s as a substitute for the traditional walnut or birch stock as a means to lower production costs and develop a more robust and durable rifle stock that could be used in all environmental conditions. This stock is very similar in construction to the other model we also have listed for sale in this auction, however our opinion is that this one predates the other one strictly because it is more similar in shape to the standard M1 rifle stock. The inside portion of the buttock is made up of a white injected mold hard plastic/epoxy center section while the forend and outer portion of the stock appears to be made up of more of a fine cut resin or even an a built up epoxy type of brown material with a slightly stippled pattern. It has the same pistol grip shape and comb height as a standard M1 stock and it has the same dished in side panels on the forend and receiver area for a better grip. The one piece front and rear hand guard is identical to the one shown on the other M1 rifle in this auction, in lot 1789. This one piece set is made up of a darker almost black material with the fiber glass resin flocking showing on the side. It is missing the middle barrel band that retains the real of the hand guard, but it was probably exactly like the other one with a standard front cap. As noted on the other rifle this single assembly probably eliminated 2-3 parts from the supply system, just form a logistically standpoint and produced a better, stronger more durable part. The rifle itself has a very early Four-Digit Gas Trap receiver that was rebuilt/over hauled in late WWII. The receiver is marked "U.S. RIFLE/CAL .30 M1/SPRINGFIELD/ ARMORY/1346" and the barrel is marked "S-A-2-45" and it has a mix of WWII Springfield Armory parts throughout. It has a early WWII gas cylinder with saw cut through the sight base, with a round top gas cylinder lock and four slot gas plug. It is complete with a white leather sling and a take down tool and nickel plated oiler in the butt stock.

Excellent as arsenal modified with 98% of the parkerized finish overall with just minor edge and high spot wear. The stock and hand guard set is in excellent condition with mo cracks or damage with some mold lines and rough areas from the original assembly. Either one of these rifles with the experimental stocks, the second of which is in lot 1789, would be the center piece of any M1 collection and it would certainly be very unique if the lucky buyer could acquire both rifles, that would make a great display set.