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    Legacy Member MOS-45's Avatar
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    The 1917 Enfield and the Alaska Territorial Guard

    During WW 2, Army Major Marvin "Muktuk" Marston organized military units of Alaska's Native Peoples to patrol and defend Alaskas vast remote regions from incursions by the Japaneseicon such as occurred at Attu and Kiska. The linked article provides some history on how the ATG came into being and how the 1917 Enfield came to be placed in the hands of the Eskimo Scouts. For those of you who might be interested.

    https://www.billstclair.com/weaponsm...html%3Fp=35936
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    Last edited by MOS-45; 03-02-2021 at 11:30 PM.

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Legacy Member MOS-45's Avatar
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    I have been wondering if the 6300 members of the Alaska Territorial Guard were allowed to keep their Enfield Riflesicon at wars end, or if they had to turn them in. If they were allowed to keep them, 1917's should be as plentiful as fleas on a stray dog in Alaska. Over the decades I have lived in Alaska I have seen an occasional 1917 for sale at gun shows, in gun stores, and in classified ads but never an abundance of them. Where are these 6300 rifles?
    The Canadianicon Rangers (comparable to the ATG) were allowed to keep their issued Lee Enfield #4 rifles.
    Last edited by MOS-45; 03-04-2021 at 06:14 PM.

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    Contributing Member fjruple's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MOS-45 View Post
    I have been wondering if the 6300 members of the Alaska Territorial Guard were allowed to keep their Enfield Riflesicon at wars end, or if they had to turn them in. If they were allowed to keep them, 1917's should be as plentiful as fleas on a stray dog in Alaska. Over the decades I have lived in Alaska I have seen an occasional 1917 for sale at gun shows, in gun stores, and in classified ads but never an abundance of them. Where are these 6300 rifles?
    The Canadianicon Rangers (comparable to the ATG) were allowed to keep their issued Lee Enfield #4 rifles.
    MOS-45 - Probably turned in after the Alaska National Guard was re-established after WWII. They are probably are setting in a long forgotten ammunition "igloo" (no Pun intended) awaiting for the "next" war. In 1940, the Minnesota Army National Guard had 1880's .45-70 Trapdoor Springfield rifle still in their inventory. Being born in Alaska and a lover of the M1917 Enfield, you propose an interesting question that has peaked my interest. Hmm, a bit of further research is in order.

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    Legacy Member MOS-45's Avatar
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    fjruple, I have tried to contact Bob Goodman, the President of The Alaska Territorial Guard Organization Inc. to inquire about the disposition/fate of the ATG's 1917 Enfields. He would seem to be the foremost authority on the ATG. My effort was unsuccessful. The email did not go through. The website is;

    http://www.goodmanforatg.com/index.html

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    Have been doing some searching on the web on this subject. In a book titled "Alaska at War" it is stated that Alaska Natives were seen using 1917 Enfields in the 1960's that were issued to them during WW 2 as members of the ATG. An excerpt is attached below. I started hyper-ventilating and salivating when I read the words 20 cases of 1917's.

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    MOS-45-- Interesting about the of Colt MGs, I wonder where they ended up? In NJ several years one was found on the beach after a storm. It appears to be one that was missing after a 1944 hurricane that battered the NJ shore beach defenses during WWII. Needless to say the gun was in relic condition being exposed to the salt water all of these years.

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    Thanks for the post MOS-45 . That was interesting reading, and an education for me.

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