Manufactured by Winchester, the exact history of this rifle is unknown, but it is clearly an early production prototype. Most of these items would have likely been destroyed once Winchester stopped producing the Garand rifle, and only a limited number are known. The receiver heel is clearly marked with Winchester's four-line nomenclature and trademark, though there is no evidence of a serial number, nor are any military proofmarks found on the stock, which would be appropriate for an item never intended to leave the factory. Blade front and peep rear sight, the latter fitted with a set of "open arrow" flat adjustment knobs with a "BATTLE RANGE" marked elevation knob and no provision for a locking bar. The barrel was left in the white, with the "WP" proof on the right side of the chamber. Components include a "D35449WRA" gas cylinder, "D28287-1 W.R.A." bolt, "C46025W.R.A." machined trigger guard, "D28290-W.R.A." trigger housing, "C-46008-1 W.R.A." hammer, and "D35382 W.R.A." angled uncut operating rod. The right receiver leg is marked "D28291-2W.R.A." The smooth pistol grip stock lacks inspector markings and is fitted with an early pattern checkered steel buttplate which is not fitted with a compartment door (the stock has been cut/routed to have tool compartments.

Excellent, with 98% of the original parkerized finish, showing light handling and cycling marks. The bright in-the-white barrel has turned an aged brown on the exposed areas, mixed brown and bright metal in the areas protected by the stock, and brighter in the areas covered by the gas cylinder. The stock is very fine, with mild chips and scratches, along with a few spots of white and green paint on the forearm. Mechanically excellent. The ultimate Winchester M1 Garand!