Unit markings on vintage M-1 Garand stock

[Thunderbolt]

I just purchased a vintage stock for my H&R M-1 Garand with proper DAS cartouche. The stock also has a unit marking painted on it, that was at one time probably white in color that now has a nice cream colored patina. My question is should I clean the stock and preserve the markings? Is it worth more to keep this intact? Is this indicative of a rifle originally overseas or perhaps a ROTC or National Guard unit marking? Thanks all in advance for your replies. -Thunderbolt

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[Johnny Peppers]

What is the unit marking?

[Thunderbolt]

The number 54 is painted on the side of stock. Could this be a rack number? Thanks in advance - Thunderbolt

[bulldog_mack13]

If its just 54 and thats it then im betting its a rack number. You can leave it , it is history but not like its anything rare or special in my opinion. Also , it could have been from anywhere, Army down to ROTC.

[Thunderbolt]

Thank you for confirming my suspicion. I feel as you mentioned that it is a piece of the history of the rifle and will leave it as is. Thanks for your reply. - Thunderbolt

[EdG]

Why are some markings in white and some in yellow?
Why the differences in size and locations of the markings?

I have a loose mint EMcF stock with a yellow three digit number ( 252 ) on the right side of the butt in 2" high nicely stenciled numbers. Would this be a rack or unit number?

[RCS]

The location of the rack marking often has alot to do with the type of rack used to store the M1. If you have the "A" type D34807 or D34737, you might want the rack number behind the receiver or on the top of the handguards. On the different wall racks, often the pistol grip area is used - sometimes the side of the butt too. You want to be able to locate the rifle in the rack without removing and checking alot of rifles to find the correct rack number to issue.

[bulldog_mack13]

Also evry unit is differnt, I painted my own way of numbers in my arms room in the Army. Ive seen many types.

[RCS]

No need to use a rack number, just carve your name into the stock (had to be a SPG stock too)Attachment 22339Attachment 22340

[browningautorifle]

So who's gun is it, Novack's or Mary-Ann's ? I saw exactly one man do that to his F.N. Did he ever get in sh*t !