Developed in the 1940s, the Smith & Wesson Light Rifle was a contender for military contracts with both the British and the Americans and squared off against the M1 Carbine as a pistol substitute for officers and support personnel. While it had some novel features, such as the dual-purpose magazine well/ejector port, it failed at trials. Large numbers of the Light Rifle were destroyed, both during testing and afterwards, including a reported incident of the British cutting their Light Rifle samples up with a blowtorch and tossing the resulting scrap into the English Channel. According to Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks, a number of crated, unfired Model 1940 Light Rifles were found by Smith & Wesson in 1974 and subsequently sold as collector's items. The information on page 240 of "The History of Smith & Wesson" by Jinks lists 137 Mark I rifles and 80 Mark II rifles in this found grouping. The pistol grip stock is made of a black plastic/composition material and is fitted with a serrated metal buttplate that is marked with the serial number and a brown leather sling. Notably, the stock has not been altered to accept the metal "Unsafe To Fire" tag seen on many Light Rifles released from S&W's inventory. Included with the lot is a hardwood transit crate (not explicitly marked to S&W or the Light Rifle, but the internal dividers appear properly sized for the Light Rifle) and an unmarked brown leather shoulder scabbard for an unidentified SMG. Provenance: The Ernie Rice Collection

Excellent, with 97% plus of the original blue finish, showing some scattered light scratches and handling marks, some rubbing around the front sling swivel, and minor edge wear. The stock is also excellent, with some light dings and scratches. The otherwise fine crate is missing the lid and some spacers, and shows some chipping, cracks and wear overall. The very fine scabbard shows light scuffs and wear, and is a bit undersized for the Light Rifle. Mechanically excellent.