One to Watch - Authentic Gas Trap on Gunbroker

[Joe W]

This is from the G.B. ad. I read it over and over and I don't see where the seller says that the G.T. rifle was the one the vet carried in combat.
" The rifle was purchased directly from the original vet whom a very astute collector (he passed away in 2006) spotted in a July, 31, 1990 local newspaper article. The veteran was pictured holding the "Gas Trap" talking about his service during WWII. In the newspaper article the vet states “he still owns the M1 rifle issued in Panama to replace the broomstick rifle used in training”. The collector subsequently found the veterans name in the local phone book and called him. He later purchased the rifle directly from him after becoming friends"
I think the key is "The veteran was pictured holding the "Gas Trap" talking about his service during WWII." and that “he still owns the M1 rifle issued in Panama to replace the broomstick rifle used in training”. No place does it state or imply that the Gas Trap rifle and the M1 rifle he was issued in Panama and still owns, are one in the same.
I am sure the seller knows that he doesn't have to tell a story to sell that rifle. I think he just wanted to share the vets story.

[Defender3]

I've known the seller for over 20 years now, we met when we were doing gun shows together in NoVA. Not only does Frank have a knack for coming up with some really great "stuff," but he is every bit a Virginia Gentleman. Being military and assigned to the Pentagon, I did a lot of business with the military folks. One day I got a call from Major Robin Higgins, the widow of Lt Col Rich Higgins, a Marine who was kidnapped in Lebanon and murdered by Hezbollah. Robin wanted to sell Rich’s guns. I looked at the collection and noted a few nice pieces but knew they were out of my league, but I did know that Frank could help and he did. He advised us on the best way to market the weapons and led Robin through the morass of properly documenting the history of the weapons as well as the bio and life of Rich. He brokered the sale and made sure that Robin received not only top dollar, but every dollar. One Marine (Frank) taking care of another Marine (Robin).

Imagine my surprise when I went to the Nations show last year saw Frank sitting at his table with not only an original 1903 Rod Bayonet rifle but a Gas Trap too! Frank knew I collected Garands and he didn’t hesitate to allow me to look over 46097. I have to admit I caressed that rifle like it was a newborn! I field stripped it and looked it over carefully, what a beauty, and he even had the keystones in it still. I took some pictures and read the original newspaper article that ran telling the Vet’s story. From that article, a collector noted that the rifle was a gas trap and the rest is history. Whoever the new owner will be, they will not be disappointed.