White Gas Cylinder

[JBS]

Not only does the gas cylinder, lock, and plug look polished but both bands look to also be polished. Leads me to think this is a D & C rifle. Some place in all my stuff I have a copy of an Army Reg. that states no Garand may leave the country or be deployed with a gas cylinder that is not blackened as described in TM……?.. Hate it when I can’t find stuff I know I have.

[Ben Hartley]

... that states no Garand may leave the country or be deployed with a gas cylinder that is not blackened as described in TM……?..

Right in the TM itself: TM 9-1275, Ordnance Maintenance, U.S. Rifle Cal. .30 M1, M1C (Sniper's) and M1D (Sniper's) dated June, 1947, paragraph 22b: "...Rifles with shiny gas cylinders must not accompany troops to overseas bases."

The TM further goes on to state (paraphrased) that if no "advanced" finishing process is available, flat black paint will be used. The paint is applied to all the stainless parts: gas cylinder, gas cylinder lock, and gas cylinder lock screw.

HTH

Ben Hartley

[browningautorifle]

I'm not sure where that leaves us though. Aren't these in Ulster? But that isn't an overseas base, is it? Er Wot??

[Bill Hollinger]

Jim, another thing is I think we are talking two different things here. Polished gas cylinder vs unfinished gas cylinder. The initial description suggests unfinished. Jim, the LL you posted suggests worn finish. I am curious about Tom's and would like to see some detailed photos of the gas cylinder and whether it is unfinished, worn finish, polished or maybe as was said earlier some other finish like dull aluminum or silver paint.

This is a great thread guys! I would like to hear more of Mr Seijas' opinion on this too.

[Bill Hollinger]

The gas cylinder photos linked by Mr Seijas shows it is difficult to tell if it is dull aluminum or silver paint or if there is no finish on it at all. If the latter, I would say it is unfinished and never was finished.

[tom gray]

Bill
I posted a number of pics in Feb. Search for "I scored a lend lease" If you need more detailed
I will need to take some.
Tom

[Bob Seijas]

See, your worn cylinder is very different from the white ones -- the whites don't look like bare metal to me, too white (not at all silvery) and too uniform. Also matte, not shiney. There's a coating on there IMO.

[browningautorifle]

OK, so here's the pics of Tom Gray I think I scored a Lend Lease Garand!! His Gas cylinder lock screw shows finish and so does the back of the sight base at the bottom. I agree Bob, the one that's all clean looks like something devoid of blue or park. And matt finish. Not worn like mine and Tom's.

[Bill Hollinger]

It is hard to say but Tom's looks devoid of any finish also.

[JBS]

Here is some more info. I believe full credit for these article belongs to Bill Ricca.Attachment 35628Attachment 35627