Square P and ESSA on M1917 Stock

**HKGuns** · 08-22-2009 12:50 PM

I'm restoring my great Uncle's US M1917 that was sporterized by cutting the stock off just below the lower stock band.

The sights, barrel and everything metal is in tact.

I picked up a replacement military stock that has a square P and ESSA on it. I've only seen reference to Circle P's. Can someone help me out with what these mean?

Here are a few pictures, I don't have any close ups of the stock markings.

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**Calif-Steve** · 08-22-2009 05:46 PM

Nice looking for sure. Where are you located? I have 1-2 extra upper handguards.

**HKGuns** · 08-22-2009 05:54 PM

Thanks Calif-Steve.

I have the upper hand guards, they're just not pictured as I can't get the front sight off to put them on the rifle. Dropped it off at a gunsmith this morning to get that rascal front sight off.

Any thoughts on the Square P and ESSA marks on the stock?

**c&rfan** · 08-22-2009 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by HKGuns

Thanks Calif-Steve.

I have the upper hand guards, they're just not pictured as I can't get the front sight off to put them on the rifle. Dropped it off at a gunsmith this morning to get that rascal front sight off.

Any thoughts on the Square P and ESSA marks on the stock?

I can't give you an answer as to why the P is in a square instead of a circle but my Underwood M1 icon

Carbine has the same mark:

**Tom Doniphon** · 08-22-2009 07:41 PM

The P in a square is the proof mark of San Antonio Arsenal. The other mark (ESSA) is the San Antonio rebuild mark.

**c&rfan** · 08-22-2009 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by Tom Doniphon

The P in a square is the proof mark of San Antonio Arsenal. The other mark (ESSA) is the San Antonio rebuild mark.

Would it make sense that my carbine has the San Antonio proof mark and the Red River Army Arsenal rebuild mark?

**HKGuns** · 08-22-2009 08:13 PM

Cool! Thanks for the information......much appreciated. I was concerned it was a lame attempt at a fake.

**Tom Doniphon** · 08-22-2009 08:44 PM

Your carbine has a Red River Arsenal proof mark. Red River Arsenal also used the P in a square proof mark.

**Calif-Steve** · 08-22-2009 10:08 PM

My Garand

has the square P stamp. Also has the RRAD stamp.

Dan Wilson · 08-22-2009 11:01 PM

The square boxed P was done at both Red River and San Antonio.
HK Guns, does it actually read ESSA or would it be ESAA?

Dan

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