Type 1 NM MAYBE

[Joe W]

Today, in a local gun shop, I saw what appeared to be a Type 1 N.M. without any documentation. Rifle appeared to be an all correct 5.83 with NM marked 3 of 55 barrel. Appeared that other that SA targeting and proofing the rifle was unfired.
The barrel had the correct proof marks for a NM rifle.
The fact that there was no star after the NM barrel marking seemed to rule out late 1956 and 1957. No wedges in recoil shoulders seemed to rule out 1958. No date codes seemed to rule out 1959 and 60,61 and 62 Type 1, rebuilt to Type 2. The F65 barrel ruled out 1963. So I am left with, most likely, late 1955, early 1956. I don't think it is faked in any way..
The shop said that they felt it was a CMP rifle as it was full of grease when they got it and took a few hours to clean.
If the rifle is in fact an undocumented Type 1 what do you think the value should be ?
As it stands, I don't want to take the gamble that CMP may not be able to verify a DCM sale. If it is a CMP sale of a NM Greek return, I am not interested at the asking price of $ 1925.00 plus tax.
My thought is if it were a service rifle and not a NM, in the condition it is in, it would be worth about $ 1100.00.

Information

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[Mark in Rochester]

are there any marks on the top of the receiver behind the handguard?

[Calif-Steve]

I was in an Army Reserve SMU, Special Marksmanahip Unit. We had tons of NM parts and could make up a nice NM in 2-3 days. Does the shop know anything about the rifle? Get CMP to run the SN for you. Without documentation it is a nice $850.00 keeper. Mind you, I would not tell the shop what CMP says no matter what.

[Bob Seijas]

Lack of a star does not rules out 1956 and 1957.

[Joe W]

Lack of a star does not rules out 1956 and 1957.

Bob, Would I have been correct had I said that the lack of the star stamping would have ruled out "late 1956 and early to mid 1957" or, is it that all rifles prepared for the 1957 matches, either were not subjected to the new accuracy requirements or were, but were not stamped ?? Thanks for your reply, Joe

---------- Post added at 12:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------

I was in an Army Reserve SMU, Special Marksmanahip Unit. We had tons of NM parts and could make up a nice NM in 2-3 days. Does the shop know anything about the rifle? Get CMP to run the SN for you. Without documentation it is a nice $850.00 keeper. Mind you, I would not tell the shop what CMP says no matter what.

I understand what you are saying Steve but this rifle has the barrel that would be correct for the period of manufacture and is proof stamped as a NM rifle should be. I believe the NM barrels used by the AMU's and other military service armorers would have been NM replacement barrels and not so proofed.
I was thinking of trying for CMP verification but if it came back as positive and the rifle was already sold, I would be kicking myself, but than again, if I was to buy it and it came back negative from CMP I would really be kicking myself. Maybe better I just forget about it.

[Rick Cummelin]

IMHO, not worth a $2000 gamble, but then I'm pretty cautious--especially toward a rifle with no provenance.

[Calif-Steve]

Get the CMP letter ASAP. Call them and ask for help.

[Joe W]

IMHO, not worth a $2000 gamble, but then I'm pretty cautious--especially toward a rifle with no provenance.

I agree with you. It was a nice rifle and I could see myself paying as much as $ 1000.00 for it, but, without any documentation, that would be my max.

[browningautorifle]

I could see myself paying as much as $ 1000.00 for it

Sounds like a shooter at that price.

[Joe W]

are there any marks on the top of the receiver behind the handguard?

No. What mark would you expect to see ??