WWII Buttplates

[Redleg]

I know there are two basic variations of the WWII trapdoor Buttplate--distinct border Winchester, and the SA produced Buttplate without the distinct border. Both types should have the square plunger.

I have a 2S marked Winchester Buttplate, with distinct border and in excellent condition along with SA varieties in the same condition.


However I also have what is a distinct border pattern buttplate, that has no 2S.

It also is somewhat different from the 2S marked Win, in that the upper and lower patterns do not come to as sharp a termination point like the 2S Win, as they point along the trapdoor area, but shorter and squared off like an SA. The overall pattern seems to be a bit wider too.


Is this just a variation of a Winchester Buttplate, or an earlier SA?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Bob Seijas]

There were a number of variations in the pattern of the checkering as dies wore out and were replaced. Outside contractors also introduced small variations. We are working on an article on butt plate evolution for the GCA Journal. It will take a while.

[latigo 1]

As Bob said, there are variations, even among buttplates of the same manufacturer. Here are three Winchester buttplates, all marked 2S. but all slightly different. Also, a few original SA rifles have been found with these 2S buttplates.

[RCS]

WW2 buttplates should also include the solid or no-trap buttplates. Used on SA stocks up to mid 1940 and Winchesters until mid/late 1942. Photo shows a sample of SA and Winchester but not all the variations but the samples most likely to be encountedAttachment 17926

[Redleg]

Thanks for the photos.

The buttplate I have that is the subject of this thread is most like Latigos' right plate. It has that distinct border pattern.
It is on a 799,000 7-42 bbl original finish EMcF SA, in ex condition.
The finish is that dark olive color in the checkering.
I figure due to the distinct border, it probably is not correct for the gun.

The top checkering on my plate in question, has those three tiny flattened diamonds, like the right plate and left plate, but the termination of both the top and bottom patterns, that end up pointing at the center area, end in a square on my plate, instead of a sharp point.

4 squares instead of 4 points for the last pattern digits.
Other than that, almost identical.
No 2S.

I am photo challenged so have trouble posting photos, so I hope I have described it well enough.