Question for Mark in Rochester

[RCS]

Here is a better photo of the carving, I do not have a photo but Novak also carved (not deep) his name on the right side of the stock too.

Here is my opinion: This stock was on a gas trap rifle that was a direct conversion to gas port early in the war, possible around the 1942 time period. RA-P used the early large letters at the start but later reduced the size of the letters. When the rifle and stock were re-issued and sent overseas, the stock was carved by Novak. I really did not notice any other stocks that had evidence of being near a fire like Novak's stock - but anything could have taken place in a combat area. Novak would have had to been at least 18 years old by 1943 which would be a birth date of 1925, nothing later ? All guess work, but none of the Wisconsin Barn Wood stocks were cartouched beyond SA GAW (1944)Attachment 121387Attachment 121388