Manufactured January of 1942, right at the beginning of U.S. entry into World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 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 is visible on the forearm of this example as is known to have been on some Lend-Lease rifles to identify them as chambered in the American .30-06 Springfield cartridge, although it does not necessarily count it out as potentially being a Lend-Lease rifle. Standard blade front and "BATTLE RANGE" marked elevation knob on the rear sight. Early World War II gas cylinder housing with single slot gas plug. Barrel correctly marked "S-A-11-41" on the right of the chamber with British Birmingham proofs. The operating rod is the correct unmodified World War II version marked "D35382 3 SA", and the bolt is marked "D28287-2SA". Early oval face middle barrel band with the early milled, rear handguard clip with the single groove. "D28290-5-SA" trigger housing, "C46008-2 SA" hammer, "C46015-6SA" safety and "C-46025-3-SA" milled trigger guard. Smooth pistol grip stock bearing a boxed "S.A./G.H.S." (Gilbert H. Stewart) inspection cartouche and crossed cannons stamped on the left of the wrist, and a circled serif "P" proof on the underside of the wrist. Includes a Union Fork and Hoe Company M1905 bayonet, olive drab green plastic scabbard and Boyt M1907 brown leather sling. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Very fine and in its as issued configuration, retaining 85% plus original parkerized finish with some finish loss on the gas cylinder. Stock is fine with raised grains and rich re-oiled finish, a small chip below the left of the receiver, some scattered light handling marks and dents, and light stampings. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet and scabbard are fine.