Originally equipped with large quantities of American-supplied M1 Garand Rifles, in the 1950s the Italian Government sought a local source for both new rifles and spare parts. Equipped with machinery left over from Winchester's U.S. contract run, Beretta took on this task with aplomb, with an output every bit as good as you'd expect from one of Europe's oldest arms makers. While mainly occupied with keeping Italy armed, and later shifting to the upgraded "BM-59" pattern battle rifle, Beretta is known to have filled a limited number of M1 Garand export contracts, including one for Yemen. Only a small quantity of these rifles made it to Yemen (then the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen, or North Yemen), estimated at less than 2000. Few have made their way to the States, with most examples believed to have been captured by Egyptian forces during the North Yemen Civil War and later released to American import firms. Blade and peep sights, with a "NI- C" marked elevation drum. The left side of the receiver has the serial number and "PIETRO BERETTA/MADE IN ITALY", and a pair of Yemeni crests are present on top of the receiver heel. Both the bolt and barrel are unmarked, with a bright high polish blue finish, with an "SA" trigger housing, hammer, and relief cut operating rod, and an "IHC" safety. Smooth fancy walnut pistol grip stock, with a green canvas sling and a checkered steel buttplate.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and bolt show 95% plus bright high polish finish, with minor handling marks, and the parkerized components are in equally fine condition. The stock is very fine, with mild scratches and dents overall. Mechanically excellent.