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gauge and 2 3/4 inch chamber markings on the left. A matching serial number is present on the left side of the mounting iron. The “P” and bomb are repeated on the left side of the receiver, with “MODEL 620” and “U.S” further to the back, and the serial number and “U/S” on the underside ahead of the trigger guard. Fitted with a smooth round forearm and pistol grip stock, leather sling. and a serrated plastic buttplate. 13 7/8 inch length of pull.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, moderate slide retraction wear and light handling marks. The stock is very fine, with scattered light scratches and compression dents. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 1467
Rare Smith & Wesson Mark I Semi- Automatic Light Rifle - Serial no. 948, 9 mm cal., 9 1/2
inch round bbl., blue finish, synthetic stock. Developed in th
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 front sight is a fixed blade, and the rear
sight is an adjustable notch. The wide magazine housing serves a dual purpose. The front section holds the actual
magazine, and the rear portion is actually the ejection port, so the fired cartridges are ejected directly to the ground
instead of into the air. The action operates from an open bolt, with the cocking hook on the right side above the
patent numbers, and right side mounted rotary safety. The left side of the action is marked with the two-line Smith & Wesson address. 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. A sling swivel base is present, but no swivel. The metal hazard tag associated with the Light Rifles released from S&W inventory in the 1970s is detached from the buttstock but included. Two slings and an extra magazine are also included.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 97% plus original blue finish, showing some light spotting and scratches overall. Much of the surface bears a thin coating of dried grease; test cleaning in selected areas shows bright blue underneath. The stock is in equal condition. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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Collector’s Fact
According to Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks, only 137 Smith & Wesson Mk. I Light Rifles still exist.
LOT 1468
Excellent World War II U.S. Army Contract Stevens Model 620 Slide Action Trench Shotgun
- Serial no. 27355, 12 gauge, 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured on contract, the Stevens 620 was a refinement of the Model 520. A solid frame hammerless shotgun, the 620 was capable of being taken down for transport as well as having slam fire capability, making it both easy to move about as well as a vicious source of firepower. Adopted for the Army and Marine Corps for World War II, the 620 remained in service for Korea and Vietnam. A single brass bead sight is installed on the bayonet lug, with a six-hole heat shield, cylinder choke, the three-line Chicopee Falls address on the right side of the barrel ahead of the “P/flaming bomb” stamps and the