M1A1 - Real or Fake?

[rayg]

Any opinions on the buttplate casting/stamping? As bkavanaugh said, "I believe the number on the butt plate is incorrect. This butt plate is numbered "B357614." Original butt plates were cast "B257614."

That's what I read in Riesch. Has anyone seen one marked with "B3....?"

Good eye, didn't notice that. I just checked the three M1A1's I have and they all have #2 not #3. Don't know what to say. I'm sure they used different moulds maybe one was mis-numbered?? Ray

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I can't really tell if that is a 2 or 3. There is a little blob of something going across the middle. The real 2 does round up a bit on the bottom.

[wtmr]

circle P on rear of lowwood? cross cannon on right side of circle P marked stock?? maybe to late for and too early for so one of wood pieces is time incorrect but as a rebuild is genuine, nice accumulation of parts, probably was worth what sold for-just not a orig gun

[INLAND44]

It's an obvious 'put-together' that is not in serviceable condition (would not be found on an armory rack because of the stock condition and worn finish). I think its a stinker, and I wouldn't give $350 for it.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Don't bother with arcane discussions about numbers. Just look at pictures 7 and 15, showing the skeleton butt ( or whatever you M1 fans call it) and the back end of the woodwork. The damage to the wood just does not match the condition of the butt frame. The skeleton frame came later.

I may, of course, be wrong, as I do not have the rifle in my hands, but an important criterion for judging authenticity of any old artefact is : is it consistent within itself with regard to patina, wear, dirt, damage - all the effects of time. That rifle is not.

[ibmikey]

Jim I was referring to a replacement grip, not original issue with CC acceptance mark. All of the replacement pieces I have seen were without the CC. Mike

[USGI]

Ebay item #130473736791 - part of an M1A1 stock (claimed genuine) sold on 1/16/2011 has a buttplate with a "3" that looks like the one that's the subject of the thread. The rest of the numbering looks questionable though. The seller calls it a "2" - what do you guys think? - Bob

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...253D&viewitem=

[bkavanaugh]

Looks like a 3 to me.

[Patrick Chadwick]

I also say 3