Manufactured circa October of 1941, this rifle was part of the first full contract order received by Winchester for the M1 Garand rifle. While the contract called for 65,000 rifles, original condition examples are few and far between; the Winchester Garands arrived early enough on the scene to see significant combat in World War II, and many of the survivors were subjected to post-WWII overhaul. This particular Winchester was used as a reference piece and photo source in a "Technical Analysis" article penned by Scott Duff (photocopy included), as well as being featured in an article in the April 2005 issue of American Rifleman and seen on the pages of Bruce Canfield's "The M1 Garand Rifle", pages 243 and 244, where it is used for close ups on the receiver and cartouche markings. Duff's article states that most collectors will not be able to find an original early Winchester of this quality, and will typically have to settle for restoring one from individually sourced components. Blade and peep sights, with the steel cover plug on the front sight screw and a "BATTLE RANGE" marked elevation knob. Fitted with a Winchester-marked gas tube, bolt, trigger guard, barrel, safety, hammer, trigger housing, bullet guide and an uncut operating rod, with "D28291-2W.R.A." on the right receiver leg. The operating rod is of particular note, as many early Winchester rods were relief cut during overhauls, leaving few on original rifles or available for restoration projects. Smooth pistol grip stock, with the 'double box' style "WRA/WB" and crossed cannon cartouches on the left side, sling swivels, and an early checkered buttplate with no trapdoor. Provenance: Bruce Canfield collection.