This is an excellent example of a late production U.S. Springfield M1 Garand, manufactured as an early pattern Type I National Match M1 Garand Rifle. Due to rules in place that required National Match weapons to be essentially "as issued", none of the more extensive upgrades seen on the subsequent Type II National Match Garand rifles are present on the Type I. In lieu of proprietary components, the Type Is were built using hand picked components with great attention to fit and detail, making them "as issued" but of the highest possible quality. The original included document, currently residing in the butt compartment, titled "Rifle Sales Record" identifies this rifle by serial number as a "National Match" sold to an individual in Culver City, California from the Raritan Arsenal on January 17th, 1956 (the rifle was likely brand new when sold). Springfield barrel dated "3 55" with correct "T", "U", "M", "P" and DoD eagle stamps on the right of the chamber, "NM" marked on the left of the barrel, "DRC" windage knob, "SA" relief cut operating rod, bolt, trigger group, hammer and safety, and standard markings on the receiver heel. Smooth pistol grip stock (not glass bedded, correct for a Type I National Match) with DoD eagle stamp on the left, circled "P" proof on the underside of the wrist, and checkered steel buttplate. Information on these Type I National Match M1 Garand rifles can be found on pages 546-550 of the book "The M1 Garand Rifle" by Bruce Canfield.