This is a very fine example of a very early production Johnson Arms Model 1941 Light Machine Gun (LMG) serial number "0349". This early production model was heavily used by the USMC Raiders and Paramarines and later on by the 1st Special Services units. These early LMGs are very rare items today as the majority of them were returned to either the USMC or the factory and converted into the later 1944/45 models with the improved designs. After WWII, the majority were sold to foreign countries or simply destroyed as surplus to the demands of military. The earlier model worked extremely well in that it was lightweight, easy to maneuver and handle, and used a larger 25 round side mounted detachable magazine and a quick change barrel exactly like the standard semi-automatic M1941 rifle. It is fitted with its original Johnson 30-06 barrel that is marked on the center support with "M 41" and "30-06", and the breech end and barrel extension collar are both correctly stamped with assembly numbers "2147F". This example still retains the original steel bipod, and it fires from an open bolt using a side mounted magazine. The top of the receiver is marked with the five line patent information followed by "LIGHT MACHINE GUN/JOHNSON AUTOMATICS/CAL. 30-06 MODEL OF 1941/MADE IN PROVIDENCE RI. U.S.A". Below that it is serial numbered "0349". This example has the distinctive high front sight and the fully adjustable folding rear sight, the original one-piece large, all walnut buttstock and very short walnut forend. This desirable early LMG comes with one original 25 round magazine and the original bipod, as noted.