Square P and ESSA on M1917 Stock

[HKGuns]

I'm restoring my great Uncle's US M1917 that was sporterized by cutting the stock off just below the lower stock band.

The sights, barrel and everything metal is in tact.

I picked up a replacement military stock that has a square P and ESSA on it. I've only seen reference to Circle P's. Can someone help me out with what these mean?

Here are a few pictures, I don't have any close ups of the stock markings.

Information

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[Calif-Steve]

Nice looking for sure. Where are you located? I have 1-2 extra upper handguards.

[HKGuns]

Thanks Calif-Steve.

I have the upper hand guards, they're just not pictured as I can't get the front sight off to put them on the rifle. Dropped it off at a gunsmith this morning to get that rascal front sight off.

Any thoughts on the Square P and ESSA marks on the stock?

[c&rfan]

Thanks Calif-Steve.

I have the upper hand guards, they're just not pictured as I can't get the front sight off to put them on the rifle. Dropped it off at a gunsmith this morning to get that rascal front sight off.

Any thoughts on the Square P and ESSA marks on the stock?

I can't give you an answer as to why the P is in a square instead of a circle but my Underwood M1 Carbine has the same mark:

[Tom Doniphon]

The P in a square is the proof mark of San Antonio Arsenal. The other mark (ESSA) is the San Antonio rebuild mark.

[c&rfan]

The P in a square is the proof mark of San Antonio Arsenal. The other mark (ESSA) is the San Antonio rebuild mark.

Would it make sense that my carbine has the San Antonio proof mark and the Red River Army Arsenal rebuild mark?

[Dan Wilson]

The square boxed P was done at both Red River and San Antonio.
HK Guns, does it actually read ESSA or would it be ESAA?

Dan

[HKGuns]

The square boxed P was done at both Red River and San Antonio.
HK Guns, does it actually read ESSA or would it be ESAA?

Dan

Dan Wilson, it reads ESAA thank-you for catching my type-o!

[HKGuns]

Actually, the more I look at a picture, the more it looks like a CSAA on the stock. It is somewhat faint. I suppose I should do a rub on it when it comes back from the gunsmith.

[JGaynor]

Would it make sense that my carbine has the San Antonio proof mark and the Red River Army Arsenal rebuild mark?

Yes it basically indicates the stock was recycled twice and used on two rebuilt carbines.
If a major component such as a barrel or bolt required replacement an additional proof firing may have been performed

Regards,

Jim