Cartouche / Stamp ?

[Sonny B]

I'M BACK Sorry, but I've been OOC, with no Elect Service, and on & off Water Service, from Friday, June 29, until yesterday. Both continue to come and go. It all started with an extreme wind storm on the 29th, blowing huge trees across most roadways and onto many structures. I was one of the lucky ones, with no physical damage. A week without elect, water, air conditioning, ice, and fuel for vehicles, was pretty tough.

Thanks to all for the GREAT info. I see then that this Rifle has not been to Canada, but was sent to the UK around Mar 1942, and then released by the Mil for Civ use sometime after 1954. The "X" I discribed is actually "Crossed Scepters" with "2" perhaps indicating a date of 1962. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" with serial number, is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver. The crudely stamped "1 SAL" is still a mystery. I hope I got it all right. The newer looking Mag came with the Rifle, and works great. The price was $50, from a good friend. I found the dull looking Magazine at a local Gun Show, in a pile of "unknowns". The man was asking $10, but gave it to me for $5.00. I cleaned twigs and strings out of it, and it works great. Thanks again everyone. I wonder if the Rifle can handle modern pressures, such as that produced by the CCI Stinger round ( I really like Stingers ).

Sonny B.

[MK111]

You have a very desireable rifle and quit collectable. Valued at 250.00 plus to Military 22 Trainer or Mossberg collectors.
There is quit a following over on the rimfirecentral.com forums under "Mossberg and Military trainers forums"
On the 1st contract of 6-3-41 of 10,000 rifles the cost to the US Government was 10.00 each and Britian only paid .65 cents under the Lend-Lease program. To the best of my knowledge there are no records as to the cost to Britian on the later contracts as we intered the war Dec. 1941.
But your rifle in the 3-27-42 of 20,000 rifles cost the US Government 13.49 each but no record on how much England paid. Maybe the whole price since we were at war.
Don't let the rifle get away from you as they are rather rarely seen. A lot of the rifles were not returned to the US after the war. I hope this information is of help to you.
Frank

[Johnny Peppers]

The "X" I discribed is actually "Crossed Scepters" with "2" perhaps indicating a date of 1962.

If the 2 is at the bottom of the crossed scepters, that is the number assigned to the inspector of the proofing. The date should indicated by two letters on either side of the scepters.

[Sonny B]

Hey MK111, You've done your good deed for the day! Thanks for making me aware of rimfirecentral.com. I'm really enjoying perusing the very interesting and valuable posts there. Yes, your post is helpful, as is all the others. I do appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience. Now that I know my Rifle was worth $1349.00 in 1942, I don't think I'll sell it. Oh....wait....I misread the position of the decimal point. I still think I'll hold on to it until it's worth $THOUSANDS$. I'm really enjoying learning about the Mossberg, and about the enthusiasts, like yourself, who are spreading the word. This site is amazing!

Sonny B.

[Sonny B]

Attachment 35011

If the 2 is at the bottom of the crossed scepters, that is the number assigned to the inspector of the proofing. The date should indicated by two letters on either side of the scepters.

Hey Johnny, I hope this photo is sufficient for you to be able to see the Scepters, with "G" on the left, "B" on the right, and "2" at the bottom. Can you tell me what date is indicated? Thanks lots for your help.

Sonny B.