I purchased this 1943 WWII Springfield M1 rifle in Oct 2005 for $700.
I got the rifle from a fellow near Ottawa, it was never openly offered for sale,
I approached him based on a tip from Jose Reis who knew about this gun.
The seller used to shoot it...I never have.
How have values changed since then....I suspect they have to some degree??
As always, the value of these Garands is a subject of debate...but you have to find one first.
I wanted one with correct WWII stock markings.
Serial number 1722249.
EMcF stock markings with 'P' proof.
S/N 665,000- 2,092,000 June 1942-October 1943
S. A. / E.McF. (Springfield Armory / Earl McFarland).
Other stamps used on the stocks were the circled 'P' proof mark
and the Ordnance Wheel with Crossed Cannons.
Fortunately this rifle came with a nice Model 1907 sling, which may not be that easy to find today, and are probably not inexpensive.
It is the accessories added afterward that can add to the investment after the gun is purchased, as is shown below in the last four photos.
S.A./ E.McF stock acceptance stamp with Ordnance crossed cannons.
The stock on this gun certainly does not look refinished.
Midwest Duck & Canvas Co. 1943
These two tone M1 Garand Rifle ammunition belts are rare in this condition, most saw extreme action. (According to the seller?)
Parkerized finish on the blade of this 'AFH'- American Fork & Hoe Company bayonet,
with (RARE-according to the seller?) dark brown plastic grips. (Most were black)
The 10” Bayonet, M1 (M1905E1) was adopted on February 11 1943.
Production of the M1 bayonet was carried out by six companies.
Union Fork & Hoe Company 440,336
Utica Cutlery 200,000
Wilde Drop Forge & tool Company 60,000
American Fork & Hoe Company 200,000
Oneida, Ltd. 100,000
Pal Blade & tool Company 200,000
The revised Ordnance Department production requirements caused Oneida Ltd.
and Wilde Drop Forge & Tool Company bayonet contracts to be terminated in September 1943.
Pal Blade &Tool Company and Union Fork & Hoe Company contracts were cancelled
effective March 31 1944.
Production continued at American Fork & Hoe Company and Utica Cutlery Company through August 1945.
A total of 2,948,649 M1 bayonets were manufactured from April 1943 to August 1945.
David
