Is this Type 1 Lockbar authentic?
Hi all,
I recently acquired a July ‘42 Springfield with many correct parts, but the thing I was most curious about are the rear sights. I don’t know much about Type 1 Lockbars other than when they were produced and that they’re incredibly rare.
The rifle I purchased supposedly has them, but I don’t know how to tell if they’re fake or not. I don’t know the history of their reproduction as well so I truly am in the dark. I wasn’t able to find any photographs of fake ones online.
Photos are attached here: https://imgur.com/a/NBpcTp9
Rest of the rifle here: https://imgur.com/a/DiLF7zj
The lockbar was on pretty snug, and so I used my shirt to twist it. With the extra force I was able to twist the lockbars twice before it fell off and I panicked.
Any information I would sincerely appreciate! Thank you!
Respectfully,
- Michael
5 Attachment(s)
Type 1 lock bar on early M1 rifles
These have been faked for years due to their value, as a complete rear sight assembly with original short pinion and Type 1 lock bar will cost around $600 plus. As you stated on another forum, you paid $1600 for the complete 1942 rifle which would indicate you bought this rifle from someone without any knowledge of early parts - or the Type 1 lock bar is a cheap reproduction. Your Type 1 lock bar is lacking any machining marks and you should always post a photo of the short pinion that came with the lock bar. These are also faked from the later long pinions by reducing the length and re-threading.Attachment 127723Attachment 127724Attachment 127725Attachment 127726Attachment 127727
Photos show original Type 1 lock bars on a June 1942 rifle and a 38K early rebuild