Manufactured March 1942. London proofs on the chamber; associated with M1 Garands supplied to Great Britain as part of the Lend-Lease Program, as well as rifles that re-entered the United States through commercial channels via England. No evidence of red paint on the forearm as is known to have been on some Lend-Lease rifles to identify it was in the American .30-06 cartridge. Blade front (locking cup complete) and rear peep sights, with flat "BATTLE RANGE" elevation drum, and lock bar on the windage drum. Springfield barrel dated "3-42" with London proof and tonnage marks. All correct parts including the "-12SA" bolt, "-5-SA" trigger housing, milled trigger guard, "-2 SA" hammer, "-6SA" safety, and "3 SA" operating rod without relief cut. The stock bears a set of "S.A./G.H.S." (Gilbert H. Stewart) and "crossed cannon", circled "P" proof, and checkered steel buttplate. Includes an olive drab green canvas sling, 1942 dated PAL M1905 bayonet, and green plastic scabbard. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Very fine and in its as issued configuration with a slightly salty look indicative of period beach use, retaining 85% original parkerized finish with a few scattered small patches of light pitting and brown colored light corrosion, some scattered light freckling, and scattered light pitting and salt corrosion on the buttplate. Stock is fine with numerous scattered deep bullet tip dings on the right of the buttstock from hard packing of en bloc clips (likely during live combat between firing in anger), attractive original raised grain, scattered dents and scratches, a few cracks at the rear of the handguard, a period chip to the left of the trigger, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Sling is good with a faded look as if it stayed with the rifle throughout the war with salty corrosion on the metal buckles. The bayonet and scabbard are fine with a salty look, some smooth brown patina and light surface corrosion on the handle and metal area of the scabbard, and a sharp blade with crisp markings. This original configuration M1 Garand rifle with British proofs serves as a desirable time capsule with palpable signs of World War II combat use and would make a fine addition to any U.S. Military collection!