Page 300 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1583 Outstanding U.S. Johnson Model 1941 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Sling - Serial no. B4288, 30-06 cal., 23 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock. This is a excellent example of a desirable Johnson semi-automatic rifle. These rifles were developed in the late 1930s intending to compete against the M1 Garand for U.S. military contracts. These rifles were not adopted by the U.S. Army but were subsequently used by the USMC “Marine Raider and Parachute Battalions” in the early Makin Island, Guadalcanal and Tulagi Island hopping campaigns in the Pacific. These rifles employed several unique features such as the rotary magazine which allowed reloading at any time, a recoiling barrel which started the cycling of the rifle and the takedown barrel which allowed them to be stowed in a parachute jump bag. The rear, right side of the receiver is marked “CRANSTON/ARMS/CO.” in a triangle and the top of the receiver is marked “CAL 30-06 SEMI-AUTO/”JOHNSON AUTOMATICS”/MODEL OF 1941/MADE IN PROVIDENCE, RI. U.S.A.” with the serial number underneath with various U.S. and foreign patent dates and markings to the rear. The barrel has the correct markings (41 for the year and 30-06) on the front flat by the end of the perforated heat shield. It has the correct wartime green parkerized finish with a parkerized rear sight which is marked on the side with 100-900 meter markings and marked “M2” on the left side. It has the correct, two-piece walnut stock and forend, and leather sling with a “B” inscribed on the metal hooks. CONDITION: Excellent. The rifle retains 98% of the original parkerized finish. The stock is also excellent with a few minor dings and dents, and a small Arsenal fill repair on the left side above the trigger. The markings are crisp and clear. The sling is good. Mechanically excellent. This is both an outstanding and desirable U.S. Johnson Model 1941 rifle. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 1584
U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Bolt Action Rifle in USMC Sniper Configuration with 8x Unertl U.S.M.C.- Sniper Scope and Scope Case - Serial no. 1528409, 30-06 cal., 24 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1938, this Springfield Model 1903 rifle has been subsequently fitted out in the “1942 USMC Sniper” configuration, with a pair of scope blocks added to the barrel and receiver, the former matched with a specially prepared upper handguard. The barrel is star gauged and dated “SA/3-39”, with a “NS” marked bolt that has been electro-pencil numbered to match the receiver. The receiver ring has been drilled and tapped twice, with one set of holes later filled in and the second currently open and used by the receiver block. Smooth pistol grip stock with a circled “P” on the wrist, “L.T.T.” on the left side, a brown leather “BOYT/42” sling, a small “GDM” (George D. Moller) collector mark behind the sling swivel, and a checkered buttplate. The J. Unertl 8x scope is “USMC-SNIPER” marked, with a serial number of “2727”, threaded steel lens caps and aluminum rings. Included with the rifle is a green painted round scope case and a 1909 dated Springfield bayonet with sheath. CONDITION: Fine as upgraded/assembled to current configuration, showing strong blue on the barrel, some fading on the barrel bands, and 85% arsenal parkerization remaining on the receiver. The reoiled stock is very good, with mild scratches, dents and stains. The scope is very fine, with the vertical crosshair fraying slightly and minor spotting on the lens, but the optics otherwise fine. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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