This is a fabulous example of a super rare "one of five" original M1 Garand rifles that were converted by the British Government into the very scarce "280 Calibre" Test/Trials rifles. These rifles are probably the rarest of the M1 Garand rifle series that were converted by the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) at Enfield in North England, as they were the primarily small arms factory in 1949. These were actually converted by simply replacing the original barrel with a new manufacture British barrel in 280 calibre (7mm bullets) which was later designated as the 7mm MK IZ cartridge in 1951. The intent of this conversion was to convince the U.S. Ordnance board to adopt this specific cartridge as the new NATO standard cartridge. Unfortunately when the M1s were converted, the British Government could not get the converted rifles to successfully function on a reliable basis using this new 7mm cartridge, so the project was stopped. At the time of the initial conversion only "5" such rifles were ever converted, with "4" actually being accepted for testing with only "3" still known to be in existence toady; one, at the British Pattern Room, (SN 670,888); one at the Royal Military College of Sciences (SN 384,273) and this rifle (SN 527,568). It is interesting to note that all three rifles fall into the early serial number range of the original WWII British Lend Lease M1 Garands, indicating that these were pulled directly from original British stores right after WWII. This rifle is fully documented as being authentic and is supported by letters from Herb Woodend, the Curator at the British Ministry of Defense's Pattern Room, whom was also was able to provided copies of the actual test data from the original "Test Trials" circa 1950/51. As noted this rifle remains in its mostly early WWII configuration with the only non-original part being the new made test barrel as chambered in the 280 Calibre. The barrel is unmarked but has the typically British baked on black finish, with two machined areas on the barrel, still in the white where the gas cylinder was fitted. The only British marks on the rifle itself are the typical "crossed flags/pennants over 49" firing proofs from the RSAF on the left side of the receiver and the top of the bolt. The remaining parts all have their original WWII Springfield Armory green parkerized finish with the various parts marked as follows; bolt D28287-12SA; Operating rod D35382-3 SA (unmodified), Trigger Housing: D28290-5-SA; Hammer: C46008-2; Trigger Guard, milled and unmarked; Safety: C46015-6SA, with extra hole. It also still retains its original type 1 locking bar rear sight set, narrow gas cylinder with original front sight (front sight, screw cap has been modified) round top gas cylinder lock and solid gas plug with single slot. It is still fitted with the original stock and hand guard set that have a beautiful all original dark red walnut color overall typical of these early Lend Lease rifles, with the grooved rear handguard clip, arched lower band that still retains it original solid cross-pin and early stock ferrule with large hole. The left side of the stock has a beautiful boxed "SA/GHS/Crossed Cannon" cartouche with a single circled "P" proof in the pistol grip area. This super rare rifle is complete with one clip of eight original rounds of 280 calibre/7mm test ammunition. The head stamp on the cartridges is "RG/280/.30/ 49", indicating the ammunition was made by the Radway Green ammunition factory in 1949.

Excellent with 95% of the original parkerized finish (except for the barrel as noted above) with only minor edge and high spot wear with some wear on the receiver side rail. The barrel shows 90% of it original blackened finish overall which has flaked in some areas. The wood components are in fine condition with nice original oil finish showing minor handling marks and light pressure dents in a few areas. The stock cartouches and proofs are all clear and sharp. As noted this rifle is complete with one clip of original British 280 ammunition and various documents. Mechanically fine.