During WWII, when an M1icon passed final inspection, the stock was stamped with a cartouche to show the rifle was accepted into government service, as in WRA over GHD, S.A. over G.A.W. etc. This practice continued post war at Springfield armory until the Defense Acceptance Stamp (DAS) replaced the earlier type of cartouche in the latter part of 1953. The DAS on the side of the stock is the final acceptance mark showing that the rifle passed final inspection and was accepted by the government.