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If only the rifles with the chamber area proof marks are true Lend Lease rifles, then how does one account for so many rifles in the same serial number range with the muzzle proof marks? You don't find many rifles in other serial number ranges with the muzzle proof marks.
Yes I am saying that "rifles with the chamber area proof marks are true Lend Lease rifles", BUT I am Not saying that NONE of the rifles proofed at the muzzle end of the barrel are LL. I believe some surely are, just not all. You must judge the rifle on it's merits, such as originality, serial number, looking for traces of red paint, ect. Over the years rifles within the right serial range may have found there way into Great Britan a number of ways.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Doniphon
Also, you certainly do find rifles in other serial ranges with the proofs in the muzzle area, how about IHC's proofed in the muzzle area ?
Springfield 378852, 10-41, and Springfield 391085, 11-41, were ordered from the same distributor by a local "kitchen table dealer" at the same time. The dealer kept one and sold the other to his friend. I was lucky enough to get both rifles about 30 years ago, and both were excellent and totally matching rifles which were undeniably Lend-Lease rifles. 378852 was proofed on the chamber, and 391085 was proofed on the barrel between the gas cylinder rings.
The rifle pictured in my AVATAR is 422881 but it looks like it never left the USA. At one time that was a plus, now I am not so sure. :mad:
Joe W. The only "hit" that I ever received on an M1 Rifle was in 1996, it was a four digit rifle that was sent to Winchester. SRS provided a copy of a hand receipt signed by Col Robert Sears of the Hartford Dist and also signed by Edwin Pugsley Vic Pres Winchester. Only one rifle was sent at the time, with a bayonet,clips, sling and drawings.
Robert, That was a home run for sure. Worth the price of admission. Joe W.Quote:
Originally Posted by RCS