Odd Cartouche on Post-WWII Korean Rifle - Please Help.

Ok, here’s my dilemma…

I just got lucky enough to be ‘issued’ an Honest-To-God Post-World War II Rebuild – definitely not a parts gun, got it straight from the Korean War Vet who carried it. However, there is no “cartouche” as we regularly know it – now this isn’t odd because, as we know, not all the rebuilds have the standard “SA” over initials.

But there is a curious “A4” below the comb (see the attached picture) – This is what I can’t identify and am seeking help with. I know there were a number of rebuilds outside the Springfield factory with odd cartouches (“AN” for Anniston; AA, AAG, & AA#### for Augusta; etc.) but I can’t find any reference to an “A4” anywhere – not in Canfield of any of my other books. The only other marking on the stock is a block “P” (no circle).

Any help would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

A4 is Anniston.

Photos show a WW2 rebuild of a Winchester stock, note the two P proofs and the SA GAW rebuild cartouche and the AN stamp

Attachment 17757 - Attachment 17758 - Attachment 17759 - Attachment 17760

Are you sure that is a Winchester stock? It looks like a wartime replacement to me. I could be wrong.

Here are some additional photos of the Winchester stock, note: the barrel channel, trigger guard recess and pistol grip angle - all unique features to Winchester production. What is not visible is the ferrule code which is also Winchester.

I had a nice 1903A3 stock with the SA GAW rebuild cartouche and have seen a 1903 type C stock also with the SA GAW rebuild cartouche too.

Attachment 17761 - Attachment 17762 - Attachment 17763

Thanks for your responses to the thread.

But, Latigo are you sure "A4" is Anniston? And if you are, how and or why? I ask because I can't find any reference to this in any of my research, both internet and several books I have (new & old).

RSC, the stock was "well" sanded during the rebuild and there is only the slightest hint of an original cartouche above the pistol grip (impossible to read). Additionally, I know that the "AN" on yours is Anniston but do you have any idea about the "A4" on the initial posting I put up?

Thanks again guys.

Oh my, for sure it is a Winnie. I didn't see the contour feature in the other photo. Thanks, very nice.

A4, AN, and BA4 all indicate Anniston rebuilds. I don't know the time periods each were used.

A "winnie" you must be a new person !

Oh please tell me you are not one of "those" :p