Thanks, Rick. I understand Benecia had over 4,000 workers at their peak during WWI and then rapidly cut back. Again, if you run across anything related to that place I'd love to hear of it.

I should have said my BA - W.L. is in a box. The stock also has the mysterious US stamped near the left butt, but I believe it may have been you who postulated that might be 'unserviceable surplus' related to 60's disposal. My stock has been moderately sanded, but there is no trace of inspectors marks in front of the mag well. Is this, then, an indication it was a replacement stock? If so, the 10 year boy in me can really turn on the imagination dreaming up scenarios concerning heavy usage. Probably got run over by a jeep while being carried out of the supply room, needed a new barrel to replace the bent one, and a new stock in place of the splintered one.