Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #74
  • Lot #1415
Lot #1414
Lot #1416

Lot 1415: Cranston Arms - 1941

Very Scarce Early Production World War II Johnson Arms Fully Automatic Class III/NFA C&R Registered Serial Number "0349" M1941 Light Machine Gun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 8, 2018

Lot 1415: Cranston Arms - 1941

Very Scarce Early Production World War II Johnson Arms Fully Automatic Class III/NFA C&R Registered Serial Number "0349" M1941 Light Machine Gun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 8, 2018

Estimated Price: $30,000 - $45,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Very Scarce Early Production World War II Johnson Arms Fully Automatic Class III/NFA C&R Registered Serial Number "0349" M1941 Light Machine Gun

Manufacturer: Cranston Arms
Model: 1941
Type: Machine gun
Gauge: 30-06
Barrel: 22 inch round
Finish: parkerize
Grip: walnut
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 5072
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 208
Class: Class III
Description:

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.

Rating Definition:

Very fine with 85% plus of its original WWII gray/green parkerized finish showing light general thinning and wear of the finish overall mixed with some brown patina. The wood components. (buttstock, pistol grips and short forend piece ) are all in fine condition with their original dark walnut color showing minor light handling marks and pressure dents in various areas, all appear to be from original light field use. These early all original production Johnson M1941 machine guns are very rare to find today, so don’t let this one get away!. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #1333: Pre-Ban Curio & Relic Colt AR-15 SP-1 Rifle

    Lot #829: Mossberg 500 Compact Cruiser Slide Action Class III/NFA AOW

    Lot #475: Three Digit Serial Number Colt Model 1862 Pocket Navy Revolver

    Lot #480: Two Digit Serial Number Colt New Model Breech Loading Revolver

    Lot #344: Sentinel Arms Striker 12, Class III/NFA Destructive Device

    Lot #172: Colt Model 1900 'Sight Safety' Pistol Serial Number "890"