WJS stamped RIA

Hello,
I am aware that the adjective rare is quite misused when describing Milsurps, so I will instead ask how uncommon or more desirable (if at all) a RIA with WJS inspection cartouche would be verses one stamped with RIA inspectors stamp. From what I understand WJS was a Springfield inspector and RIA rifles with his stamp were assembled at Springfield armory for parts compatibility purposes (or some similar natured reason).
Would this be considered a "score" or just lucky to still have an intact stamp regardless of inspector. The rifle also has the mysterious 3GM-k next to it.
Thank you for any input.
Cheers

Does the stock have a "RI" on the foretip (the "wedge" of the stock you see when you look down the muzzle)?

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

Does the stock have a "RI" on the foretip (the "wedge" of the stock you see when you look down the muzzle)?

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It appears to be blank. The circle p proof appears to be a Springfield block P (RIA were script for entire production?) as well as a P (no circle below that one) and a F in mag cutoff.
Cheers

There is some evidence that WJS (we don't know who that was) may have worked at Rock Island at some point in 1918. I have seen at least one or two stocks with a WJS and an RI (for Rock Island) on the foretip. However, I believe this stock is a replacement from a rifle that was manufactured (and proofed) at Springfield Armory. There is no RI, as you said, and the proof stamp is a "block" P. All proof stamps used at Rock Island were "script", as you stated.

Ok, I think i have read conflicting articles on WJS: I believe one said he was inspector at RIA, the other at Springfield and the rifles sent to Springfield for assembly and comparability would have a Soringfield proof because they were assembled there. Maybe a Springfield stock would be one of those parts they might have swapped? Just s thought. Either way I'm happy with it :)
Cheers

Upon further inspection of the tip of the stock it appears to have been sealed with something almost like a muddy brown green park colored substance, possibly to protect exposed end grain from soaking up moisture? It appears to have been put on thick enough to cover a stamp if indeed there is one. I just gently removed a very old and very heavy shellac coating and have been oiling it for a few days and obviously that stuff didn't budge in stripping process and I think I will just leave it be. Anyone encountered that before?
Pics will follow once rifle is pic ready, it embarrassingly resembled a red sks when I picked it up.
Cheers

By all means post pictures. The reason I would doubt that the stock came from Rock Island was the "block" P in addition to the lack of an RI on the foretip.

Wasn't it determined that the 3GM is a rebuild stamp ? We just haven't found who exactly nor if it's WW2 or a little post-war .
Chris

I have always understood the 3GM-K to be a ww2 rebuild but the descrepencies on who and where have always seemed dodgy. The rifle does have a HS 5-44 barrel and what I believe is a second proof stamp.
Here are a few pics of stamps and tip, I will post pics of entire rifle once the furniture is finished up and its range ready :)
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...4/01/800-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...4/01/800-2.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...4/01/800-3.jpg

Almost certainly a Springfield stock. Keep in mind that, since the rifle has a 1944 High Standard barrel, it has been rebuilt. The philosophy of Springfield and other government arsenals was "Parts is parts" and any would do. More than likely, the stock was taken off an earlier rifle.

3GM-K has not been identified. There are several guesses out there, but that is all they are ...guesses.