Odd Cartouche on Post-WWII Korean Rifle - Please Help.

[Doomanis]

Ok, here’s my dilemma…

I just got lucky enough to be ‘issued’ an Honest-To-God Post-World War II Rebuild – definitely not a parts gun, got it straight from the Korean War Vet who carried it. However, there is no “cartouche” as we regularly know it – now this isn’t odd because, as we know, not all the rebuilds have the standard “SA” over initials.

But there is a curious “A4” below the comb (see the attached picture) – This is what I can’t identify and am seeking help with. I know there were a number of rebuilds outside the Springfield factory with odd cartouches (“AN” for Anniston; AA, AAG, & AA#### for Augusta; etc.) but I can’t find any reference to an “A4” anywhere – not in Canfield of any of my other books. The only other marking on the stock is a block “P” (no circle).

Any help would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

Information

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[latigo 1]

A4 is Anniston.

[RCS]

Photos show a WW2 rebuild of a Winchester stock, note the two P proofs and the SA GAW rebuild cartouche and the AN stamp

Attachment 17757 - Attachment 17758 - Attachment 17759 - Attachment 17760

[Bill Hollinger]

Are you sure that is a Winchester stock? It looks like a wartime replacement to me. I could be wrong.

[RCS]

Here are some additional photos of the Winchester stock, note: the barrel channel, trigger guard recess and pistol grip angle - all unique features to Winchester production. What is not visible is the ferrule code which is also Winchester.

I had a nice 1903A3 stock with the SA GAW rebuild cartouche and have seen a 1903 type C stock also with the SA GAW rebuild cartouche too.

Attachment 17761 - Attachment 17762 - Attachment 17763

[Doomanis]

Thanks for your responses to the thread.

But, Latigo are you sure "A4" is Anniston? And if you are, how and or why? I ask because I can't find any reference to this in any of my research, both internet and several books I have (new & old).

RSC, the stock was "well" sanded during the rebuild and there is only the slightest hint of an original cartouche above the pistol grip (impossible to read). Additionally, I know that the "AN" on yours is Anniston but do you have any idea about the "A4" on the initial posting I put up?

Thanks again guys.

[Ramboueille]

Thanks for your responses to the thread.

But, Latigo are you sure "A4" is Anniston? And if you are, how and or why? I ask because I can't find any reference to this in any of my research, both internet and several books I have (new & old).

RSC, the stock was "well" sanded during the rebuild and there is only the slightest hint of an original cartouche above the pistol grip (impossible to read). Additionally, I know that the "AN" on yours is Anniston but do you have any idea about the "A4" on the initial posting I put up?

Thanks again guys.

It's Anniston. Base facility codes were realigned and re-identified in 1963 and the codes issued were not similar to the facility's name at all.

Anniston was designated "BA4." Rock Island Arsenal was designated "BO7" to exhibit a few. I believe New Cumberland Army Depot was "AN5." DCM parts were shipped from these various facilities with their new designated codes clearly shown on the invoice and sometimes on the corresponding shipping address of the package.

Receiver rebuild codes (plus a date) such as or similar to:

BA4
BA/4
BA-4
A4 /
A 4

are Anniston. A4 on stocks is the same.

[Bill Hollinger]

It is all good RCS. Evidently you were not aware of a discussion we had on this some time ago.

[Joe W]

The "Korean vet" may have carried this rifle but not in Korea during the war, at least not with a stock with an Anniston rebuild mark. Buy the gun, not the story.

[Bill Hollinger]

Oh my, for sure it is a Winnie. I didn't see the contour feature in the other photo. Thanks, very nice.