M1A1 Buttplate

You should compare it to a real a M1A1 butt plate made by Saginaw Malleable Iron Company during WWII. Then the differences will jump out at you.

Not really good pictures, I didn't want to put powder on the numbers to bring them out.

But both have a bit different font and the numbers located in a different position on the buttplate then the one selling on ebay.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif

https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif

You are correct about the font Jim. (Especially the '4' and '1')
Good eye!

https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif

Corsair to an AT-6, Hummmmm............

My vote is "fake". The font is off (in multiple ways) and there's a "discrepancy" with the wagon wheel (not gonna say what on here).

Both plates linked (GB and EBAY) look different than the one on mine, which is identical to JimF4M1s.

Here's another real one.


https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...000_4174-1.jpg

I bought a supposedly NOS WWII machete from Riverbank several years ago. I became suspicious when I read comments on the old CSP about him selling repro machetes. When I contacted him, he became indignant an made some obtuse comment about the quality of his products. He didn't offer to accept a return. I decided that it would be a good candidate for bushwhacking, so I kept it. I've never dealt with him since.

Two original buttplates for comparison

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ock12au3-1.jpg

kelt

Well, that's at least 1, 2, 9, and 11. Does anyone have other numbers?

I have a 4, 9, 10 lot number series... I have noticed that there is no continuity in the alignment of the numbers on the buttplates. I thought about the exact placement of the wagon wheel just right of the center. but according to observations and the comparisons to the photos, that they have for the most part slight variations even for the same lot numbers. perhaps it would be a good subject for study... I have noted on observation that there are several different fonts used. some standard and some are not. Were there any replacement parts made or perhaps post war replacements made? I think it too early in this discussion to solidly draw conclusions. Has anyone tried to contact the seller in washington? just my 2 cents... 442nd