I recently acquired a July ‘42 Springfield with many correct parts, but the thing I was most curious about are the rear sights. I don’t know much about Type 1 Lockbars other than when they were produced and that they’re incredibly rare.
The rifle I purchased supposedly has them, but I don’t know how to tell if they’re fake or not. I don’t know the history of their reproduction as well so I truly am in the dark. I wasn’t able to find any photographs of fake ones online.
Photos are attached here: https://imgur.com/a/NBpcTp9
Rest of the rifle here: https://imgur.com/a/DiLF7zj
The lockbar was on pretty snug, and so I used my shirt to twist it. With the extra force I was able to twist the lockbars twice before it fell off and I panicked.
Any information I would sincerely appreciate! Thank you!
Respectfully,
- Michael
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Last edited by Mark in Rochester; 08-03-2022 at 11:25 PM.
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These have been faked for years due to their value, as a complete rear sight assembly with original short pinion and Type 1 lock bar will cost around $600 plus. As you stated on another forum, you paid $1600 for the complete 1942 rifle which would indicate you bought this rifle from someone without any knowledge of early parts - or the Type 1 lock bar is a cheap reproduction. Your Type 1 lock bar is lacking any machining marks and you should always post a photo of the short pinion that came with the lock bar. These are also faked from the later long pinions by reducing the length and re-threading.
Photos show original Type 1 lock bars on a June 1942 rifle and a 38K early rebuild
These have been faked for years due to their value, as a complete rear sight assembly with original short pinion and Type 1 lock bar will cost around $600 plus. As you stated on another forum, you paid $1600 for the complete 1942 rifle which would indicate you bought this rifle from someone without any knowledge of early parts - or the Type 1 lock bar is a cheap reproduction. Your Type 1 lock bar is lacking any machining marks and you should always post a photo of the short pinion that came with the lock bar. These are also faked from the later long pinions by reducing the length and re-threading.Attachment 127723Attachment 127724Attachment 127725Attachment 127726Attachment 127727
Photos show original Type 1 lock bars on a June 1942 rifle and a 38K early rebuild
Actually, yes the author made no mention of early parts in the advertisement. They simply listed the rifle as a “July 1942 Six-Digit M1 Garand with no other identifiable features. No specific mention to early parts like the lockbar. That’s essentially why I bought the rifle, as they may not have realized what they had and so I purchased it on the chance they were legitimate and it wouldn’t be a loss if they were fake.
I have attached additional photographs of the disassembled rear sight for further discussion. If there’s anything you see or anything you don’t see please let me know!
You have a nice example of a mid 1942 rifle to work with. But I think that the Type 1 lock bar is a repro and that the short pinion has been re-threaded.
Just my opinion as others may feel that your parts are original.
You have a nice example of a mid 1942 rifle to work with. But I think that the Type 1 lock bar is a repro and that the short pinion has been re-threaded.
Just my opinion as others may feel that your parts are original.
Admittedly, I am unable to tell a difference between the pictures you offered and my own, I just honestly don't think I have the eyes/expertise for that.
Are there any examples of re-threaded pinions or fake Type 1 Lockbars I could use for reference that you may be aware of? I wasn't able to find any on my own, unfortunately.
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Originally Posted by RCS
