British Proof-marks on a March '42 Winchester

[Ms15710]

Hey all,

Recently my father and I picked up an M1 Garand made by Winchester sometime in March 1942. It looks to be all correct with the exception of the gas cylinder (which is missing the stacking swivel) but the gas cylinder looks to be as aged as the rest of the rifle, possibly indicating it has been with it for some time.

On the right side of the barrel underneath the rear handguard, there are British-proof marks F.B. with crossed swords, indicating that the rifle was inspected at Birmingham as early as 1955. I know that generally, the presence of British proof marks does not automatically mean that it is a Lend Lease (certain time period and serial number) but this rifle was manufactured around the time of the last batch of rifles sent to Britain in early 1942. Furthermore, the proof markings are underneath the rear handguard, not towards the muzzle by the gas cylinder.

My question is, did the United States supply Britain with rifles from both Springfield Armory and Winchester, or did the supply come entirely from Springfield?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Nice, nice, nice rifle. More comprehensive pics when/if you can?

[Rick B]

That rifle looks all correct and like a Lend lease. They also tried to put small crowns all over so look for those. The stock should also be a hinged butt plate and not a No Trap nor modified. I think you have a neat rare rifle there. Rick B

[Ms15710]

Of course, I will try to provide more photographs tomorrow, is there anything in particular?

Rick, the stock actually does have a no trap butt plate, I’llI thought that was correct for Winchesters produced until April 1942 production. I’m using Scott Duff’s guide and the data sheets for rifles 159,200 and 159,795 state they had no trap W.B. stocks.

All that aside, Winchester did provide lend-lease rifles? If that’s true, it makes sense, it’s just never something I’ve never really associated Winchester with; to me, Winchester just seemed to operate in its own little sphere. Are there other known LL WRA M1s?

[browningautorifle]

is there anything in particular?

I know it sounds like a lot but all the small marks and details. That's what identifies these and gives us a reference for future.

[EdG]

As far as the Birmingham proofs (BNP) on the rifle, there will be one on the top of the receiver ring in front of the bolt and one on the right front operating lug of the bolt.

These proofs would be a crown over BNP if clearly struck and would face to the right.
Maybe only a ding or a smudge will show.

Pics of these would be great. Thanks.

[browningautorifle]

It also appears this one still has the front sight seal? Does it also have the completely round firing pin?

[Rick B]

My fault,
I had a senile moment lol. 115,000 was around the range WB came into play. That is where my mind mangle happened. You are correct on it being a No Trap. The WB Trap door came into play around 120,500 through 121,500 range Rick B

[Bob Seijas]

WRA Lend Lease guns are very scarce despite the fact that the Act included Winchesters. Not many were sent because they were all so new.

[Ms15710]

So I have attached more photographs, and it does look like this rifle is a Lend Lease Winchester.

On the receiver ring there is the BNP proof mark, but what I also noticed was the scant trace of orange paint towards the rear of the front handguard; it took being in the sun for it to become visible. On closer inspection, the receiver looks like it was definitely annealed.

As for the gas cylinder, it does still have the front sight seal on it, but it looks to be a narrow-base Springfield gas cylinder. I know that when these rifles were imported back to the U.S. that they were disassembled, so perhaps the wrong gas cylinder was put on this rifle. Or maybe it was replaced sometimes during service, as the wear is very consistent with the rest of the rifle, and the gas cylinder lock is definitely Winchester.

The rear handguard also has a nice tiger pattern finish to it, but the majority of the stock and the handguards look very dry and there appears to be mold in the channel as well as around the barrel. Should I treat this or leave it alone?