M1 Garand Identification

[Joe W]

Tom, I don't see the "Arlington Arms" import marking. What I see under the XXXX is as follows -
TOP LINE under first 4 X's "30 06". I would guess under the next 4 X's is "2.494" or 2 1/2"
2nd line - BNP with crown, under the x's "18 TONS PER" In 1975 the framework for the date code was changed from the crossed swords to a segmented circle then maybe to just a circle, not sure. I think the letters and numbers in the circle are G at 9 o'clock, B at 3 o'clock and 4 at 6 o'clock. The G would indicate 1981, if Birmingham changed from a letter to a number and it is a 6, then it would indicate 1980. The "B" is for Birmingham and the 4 would be the inspectors seniority code.

The other proof markings to the left, I have not seen before. I don't know what the 408" represents or the 110 enclosed in the diamond. the 2 1/2 " is the length of the cartridge. Was the rifle proofed at 3 1/4 TONS PER Square inch and not the 18 Tons Per as previous ??? Don't know, as I have not seen that proof before.

One thought I have is that the rifle received the XXX'ed out proof when it was exported, not to the U.S., but to another country outside of Great Britain. It was then subsequently returned to Great Britain and the country exporting it back to Great Britain also had a proof law. They x'ed out the British proof and applied there own. Guess that's a stretch but all I can think of.

Also, what is the marking on the butt of the pistol grip, next to the crossed cannons ?? Is that also British ???