Hypothetical New Garands

[Rick Cummelin]

yes the presence of heavy cosmoline seems to indicate rebuilds. But if they can be had for much reduced price and i'm not picky when it comes to surplus garands. as long as they are below surplus prices. If we find a gem or two then tat much the better.

During WWII, apparently new M1s were dipped in cosmoline before shipping. This cosmoline was NOT the heavy grease used after later rebuilds, or used on the M1s returned from Greece. The WWII cosmoline was a very dark brown color and was quite sticky. GIs cleaned it off with gasoline, but that was a nasty job.

If the rifles you refer to are covered in real, honest WWII cosmoline, they are likely to be worth more uncleaned than cleaned.