Gentlemen,
At last , some input in my thread ! Good . I can appreciate all advise / opinions and shall consider the input about my carbine as I make my choices , for it.
Indeed , I was hoping someone would pony up a lead on the best cartouche "humper" in the business, as I am still inclined to have the correct stampings on the rare stock , restored.
Still need a front sight and a swivel (the original band , while separated at the spot welds, works , for me)
Having the stock refinished to more resemble how it looked in 1943 , would bring me great happiness.
Restored cartouche stampings , on this rifle , to me , would be no different than someone putting new insignia decals on a restored P51 Mustang , or painting a shiny new white star , on the hood of a restored Willeys MB or Ford GPW.
I had considered leaving it "as is".....but quickly discarded that idea, as , in my opinion , the "billy bobbed" sawn off sight ears and shiny "tru oil" stock finish , look like shite , on a white chicken.
The only history that I have on this carbine , from the widow of the 1960's era vet , who last owned it , is that her deceased husband bought it off off a drunk , in a bar, for $50, back in the 1970's.
As I consider the overall history of this "1 of 828,000" Winchester M1 carbines, I would hope that it did its bit, to protect the life of the service members that it was issued to. That it did indeed slay and vanquish the enemies of the USAicon in a World War , and perhaps subsequent police actions. And I am thankful, that it apparently escaped "rebuild" into a more common "mix-master" example , like the majority of its 6 million brethren carbines .
And, also , I am even more thankful , that I now have 2 , such early Winchester M1 carbines.
Here are some photos of the one I picked up last year...#10472xx.
My Win