This is a very rare example of a prototype Model 1941 Johnson semi-automatic rifles as manufactured by Cranston Arms Co. This specific example is even rarer in that it is one of "5" prototype manufactured that carries the "S" prefix in the serial number. There is no record of this prototype number discussed in the excellent book, Johnson's Rifle and Machine Guns, however since it carries the "S" prefix which follows after the "R" prefix prototype discussed in the book its assumed it was a test rifle used prior to the Dutch contract rifles. The consignor of this rifle has stated that his grandfather worked at the Cranston Arms factory where he acquired this rifle. These rifles have always been highly desirable based on their historical significance in the development of a US Army battle rifle with this example being a prototype makes it very unique. The rifle has the distinctive 22 inch detachable barrel, with the face of the barrel collar, stamped with the caliber ".30 06" above the barrel and "41" below it. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped "CAL. 30-06 SEMI. AUTO./"JOHNSON AUTOMATICS"/MODEL OF 1941/MADE IN PROVIDENCE, R.I., U.S.A." over serial number "S-3".The patent markings are stamped in five lines between the factory legend and the rear sight. The right rear of the receiver is stamped with "CRANSTON/ARMS/CO." inside an inverted triangle. It has the one-piece, cast receiver with the perforated barrel jacket, that is fitted with its unique ten-round rotary magazine. It is fitted with a adjustable tangent rear sight which is marked M2 and "METERS" on the side and is graduated 1-9 (100-900). The barrel has its original fixed blade front sight with protective ears. It is fitted with an original walnut stock and forend set that has an oil finish and a checkered steel buttplate. The bright polished bolt is numbered "B6246" (numbered components on Johnson rifles did not match). The barrel, receiver, magazine, trigger guard and buttplate have a gray-green parkerized finish and it is complete with an original early issue unnumbered or marked, rough machined bayonet and leather scabbard. In August 1940, the Netherlands Purchasing Commission ordered 10,200 Johnson Automatic rifles to arm colonial troops in the Dutch East Indies. The Japanese invaded and captured the Dutch colonies in December 1941 before most of the Johnson Model 1941 rifles could be delivered. The U.S. Marine Corps tested the Johnson rifle in 1941, and in early 1942, obtained a limited number of the Dutch contract Model 1941 rifles. Some of these were subsequently issued to the 1st Parachute Battalion. Most of the Dutch Model 1941 rifles remained un-issued and were sold as surplus in the 1950s and 1960s.

Fine as rebuilt/modified with 85% of its refinished gray/green parkerized finish overall with minor light casting pitting on the sides of the receiver with the center section of the receiver over the chamber area showing signs of having a ruptured cartridge at some point that required the receiver to be rewelded and remachined possibly by the factory. The stock and forend are both in very fine condition with a nice medium brown color overall. A fine example of an early Johnson Arms prototype rifle.