Geilenkirchen Garand

[geilenkirchen M1]

I acquired this M1 from my brother-n-law. After he had kids, he was going to stick it in the rafters out in the garage, so I traded him a snap on tool cart for the gun. After a thorough cleaning, we noticed the imprint on the side of the stock and the inspector's mark. The imprint says Geilenkirchen Dec 5, 1944, Lt. Bryd...We are unable to make out the entire name. After researching numerous web sites, this is what we have come up wih so far. The battle for Geilenkirchen began Nov 18, 1944, as part of Operation Clipper, and ended Dec 6, 1944. As far as the rifle information, this is what we have so far....serial # 2,825,651, which was built in May 1944 at Springfield Armory, inspector's mark on stock is SA GAW, with Springfield cross cannons to the right, circle P on the pistol grip, and small ordinace stamp on the butt of the pistol grip. The bolt is D28287-19SA and under that is B-13. The trigger housing is D28290-12SA, hammer is C46008-7SA, operating rod is D35382-9SA, the bullet guide is milled, follower is marked 12, rear sight is long pinion square lock bar, knurled windage / elevation, safety is marked SA-11, trigger is SA trigger type 2, follower rod looks to be short fork riveted, the barrel is marked 1 SA 4 44, gas cylinder lock screw pewter in color marked S. The rifle appears to be untouched. I have looked for information on rifles that haven't been redone and I am unable to locate any information. I do not have a throat gauge, but the barrel appears to be in good shape, shiny, with no pitting. We have fired the weapon, put about 20 rounds through it. It held a 2" group at 50 yards. The weapon looks to be a combat rifle, there is no rust, but the finish is worn in places and the wood is in rough condition. Please let me know if you have any information or what your thoughts are on the rifle, if it could possibly be an untouched combat rifle. Thank you.

Information

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[DaveN]

The experts will say pictures will be a big help even though you gave them lots of good info. But it sounds like a great acquisition.

[geilenkirchen M1]

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Some of the pictures I have...not the greatest..the first picture is the inspector's mark, the last one in he imprint of Geilenkirchen. Trying to figure out lighing to get clearer pictures. Will post when I have them. I have pics of internal draw numbers, if that would be helpful.

[geilenkirchen M1]

Hi, do any of you know of someone out there that I can forward the information that I have, along with pictures, onto to to either confirm what I think or share their thoughts? Is there anything that I can include that may make this easier? Thank you

[DaveN]

Trust me someone here will know what to do, and what you have. I have been working on pictures for awhile, and getting the light right and a good neutral back ground that your camera will not focus on is a start. Your pics did provide more info on the condition so if you get them clearer that would help more.

[geilenkirchen M1]

Thanks for the information. I'm trying to get better pictures, but it is pretty hard to get them clear. I'll keep working on it.

[GUTS]

The most important thing when taking pictures is of course keeping the camera still. When I take close up shots of parts and such I always use a tripod, under magnification the camera needs to be rock steady. The times I can't use a mount of any kind I take at least four of each picture, and even then there may not be one that is clear because I moved a touch. If you can keep it steady it will make up for a lot of bad lighting. Keep trying!

[Bob Seijas]

Outside on a cloudy day is the best light.