Lot 3692: Springfield Armory T1E2 'Model Shop' M1 Garand

This T1E2 Model Shop rifle was manufactured by Springfield Armory c. 1933-34. This is one of 80 prototype T1E2 rifles manufactured by the Springfield Armory Model Shop prior to commencement of M1 Garand rifle production. The heel of the receiver has the distinctive marking: "U.S./SEMIAUTO. RIFLE/CAL. .30 M1/SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/25" in six lines. The right side of the barrel is numbered "25" just ahead of the chamber. The barrel has the early style, stainless steel gas trap cylinder with lightning cuts and blade front sight. The receiver has the angular cut legs found only on Model Shop rifles. Other distinctive components on this rifle include: (1) 22-inch gas trap barrel, (2) slant cut operating rod, (3) Keystone, square wire, compensating springs, (4) milled trigger guard without the hole on the rear, (5) no-pad trigger housing, (6) milled upper and middle barrel bands, and (6) checkered buttplate with no butt trap. The lower hand guard lacks the relief cut found on gas port rifles. All of the components except the stainless steel gas port have a dull blue finish. There are no visible drawing numbers or markings on any components other than the receiver heel, rear sight windage and elevation knobs and the barrel. The short throat stock and upper and lower hand guards are oil finished walnut. Surviving examples of the 80 T1E2 Model Shop rifles are extremely rare in any condition.

Very fine as professionally restored. The rare T1E2 Model Shop receiver on this rifle is original and has been restored using a combination of original, modified and reproduction components. The rifle retains 95% of the blue finish. The markings on the receiver heel are extremely crisp. The stock and hand guards have been professionally refinished and are in very fine condition with the exception of a hairline crack in the lower hand guard between the receiver and the barrel band. This is an extremely rare and historic rifle that would be impossible to restore today and would be a wonderful addition to the most advanced collection of U.S. martial arms or M1 rifles.