Lot 552: Rare Presentation Harrington & Richardson M1 Garand Rifle

Rare example of the nine special presentation Harrington & Richardson M1 Garand rifles manufactured for executives of Harrington & Richardson, International Harvester and barrel maker Line Material Corporation (LMC) to commemorate completion of post-World War II M1 Garand rifle contracts in 1955. These rifles are described in detail on pages 496-497 of "THE M1 GARAND RIFLE" by Bruce Canfield. The nine presentation M1 rifles were roll-stamped: "U.S.RIFLE/CALIBER .30 M1/H&R ARMS CO." in three lines on the top of the receiver heel with no serial number. The rear face of the receiver heel was roll-stamped with the H&R and LMC logos along with "1955" and "ONE OF NINE". Canfield states that the nine presentation nearly rifles were manufactured by H&R in secrecy and their existence was unknown for many years. Aside from the special receiver markings, this rifle is a standard, late production, H&R M1 rifle. The top of the bolt is stamped with the drawing number "6528287 H.R.A./U.W 407". The right side of the receiver is stamped with the drawing number/steel lot code: "D-6528291" below the stock line. The right side of the barrel chamber is stamped: "LMR D6535448 8 55 A43" in a single line followed by "P M". The left side of the trigger housing is stamped" IHC D6528290". The hammer, trigger and safety are H&R components. The receiver, barrel, bolt and trigger guard have an even, charcoal gray, parkerized finish. The hand guard and forearm are nicely figured walnut; the stock is straight grain walnut. The stock and handguard have a military oil finish. The stock lacks Ordnance proof and inspection marks. This is a unique, specially made presentation M1 rifle that would be the centerpiece of an advanced collection of M1 Garand rifles.

Excellent plus overall. This rifle appears to be unfired and retains 99% plus of the original charcoal gray parkerized finish with traces of handling and storage wear. The stock and hand guards have nearly all of the original oil finish. This is a nearly new example of an extremely rare, specially made presentation H&R M1 Garand rifle.