In the 1950's my Dad, a WWII veteran of the US 29th Infantry Division, bought my older brother and me surplus US Army web gear, helmet liners, toy 1911A1s, and Matty Mattel Thompsons. From that day forward, I aspired to be a soldier. Later in high school, I joined the cadet corps and was issued an M1Garand.
Fast forward 50 years through an Army career and several other careers to retirement, I purchased that specific Garand from the CMP. It does help to remember your serial number.