This is an excellent example of a very late production Springfield Armory M1 Garand that was manufactured as a standard service rifle circa 1956, with the scarce "X-"Prefix" serial number. This "X" prefix indicates that it has a duplicate serial number that was accidently applied by Springfield Armory. Many of these late "X" prefix serial numbered rifle were manufactured at the very end of production in 1955, with some being fitted with a "NM" marked barrel, as is the case with this rifle. (Writer believes it to be a Type 1 National Match, but have no documentation). These were all a late, last clean-up, effort to expunge Springfield Armory of all M1 rifles and components prior to beginning the M14 production. This example is fitted with an early LMR barrel that is marked "LMR D6535448 10 53 A22", that is also correctly marked "NM" on the left front exposed area of the barrel as it gauged to National Match specifications. It is fitted with a late post production SA bolt marked "6528287-SA/Z-2", the trigger housing is marked 6528290-SA with a late SA production hammer, and a late production operating rod with drawing number, "65353821 SA". It has a standard wide base gas cylinder, a high hump gas cylinder lock and four slot gas plug. It is fitted with the standard unmarked front sight with the standard sight set with an "NM"/"595" marked non-hooded rear sight aperture. It is fitted with a standard (non-bedded) walnut stock and standard (non-unitized) front handguard. The left side of the stock is stamped with a standard DOD cartouche with a circled "P" proof in the grip area.

Excellent plus with 98% plus of its original Springfield Armory parkerized finish overall, with minor edge and high spot wear and some finish loss on the right side receiver rail and top of the bolt lugs. The stock and handguard set are all in excellent condition with a nice matching medium brown color overall and clear sharp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. A very nice looking all original late "X" prefix serial numbered, standard M1 Garand rifle.