Original WW2 M1 rifle

[Garandrew]

I was just wondering what the members think of the rifle? Why would the black finish have been there, and does it effect the value?
Andy

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[rongee]

Why would the black finish have been there, and does it effect the value?
Andy

I don't know if anyone can answer the question as to why the paint is there. It could have been applied by most anyone. It is obviously not original to the rifle. Does it affect the value? Most likely, but how much is difficult to say.

[Joe W]

Andy, First off, nice looking example of WW2 rifle. Barrel date of 1-44 is correct. As best I can tell from the pictures the other parts look to be period correct. One thing I might question would be the gas cylinder lock screw. In Duff's book S/N 2466215 has the poppet valve style.
As far as it being "original", as rongee already said, that's hard to say. If all parts are period correct and wear patterns match it becomes an educated guess for anyone. The more M1s a collector has examined and the more "known" originals rifles he has seen ,the better the guess, but, in most cases, a guess never the less. Either way, still a nice rifle most would love to own.
Oh, the paint. Who knows ? All you know for sure is that it don't belong there. Maybe you can remove it.
Semper Fi, Joe