Page 326 - 4091-BOOK1

LOT 353
Excellent and Highly Desirable World War II U.S.
Springfield M1C Garand Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle with M82 Scope, Matching Numbered
Bracket and Mount/Ring Assembly - Serial no. 3691204, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24 inch round bbl.,
parkerized finish, walnut stock. The first semi-automatic sniper rifle adopted by the U.S. military, the M1C sniper rifle was
developed in 1944 and was the standard issue sniper rifle during late World War II, Korea and saw use into Vietnam. The M1C was an effective weapon
but intricate in construction; one would need to take a receiver off the line mid-production, ship it to Griffin & Howe of New York for scope rail installation, then return it
to Springfield to be made into a complete rifle. While in theory superseded by the more armorer-friendly M1D, the M1C served well as a primary sniper rifle. It is estimated that approximately 4,000 were produced during World War II with hundreds provided to various NATO allies in the late 1950s/early 1960s and hundreds destroyed by the U.S. Government in the 1980/90s. The receiver of this rifle was manufactured in April of 1945, with blade front and peep rear sights with battle range elevation
markings, closed arrows and lock bar, “1-S-A-6-45” barrel, Springfield “-19SA” bolt, correct “SA” trigger components, and uncut “9 SA” operating
rod, and single slot gas plug. The scope rail is secured to the side with three screws and two pins, matching serial numbered “3691204” to the
rifle on the underside, with a Griffin & Howe patent marked ring assembly matching numbered “3691204” to the rifle. The scope is blue finished,
with M82 markings, serial numbered “38653”, rubber eyepiece and with single post reticle. The left of the smooth pistol grip stock is stamped
with a boxed “S.A./N.F.R.” inspection cartouche and crossed cannons cartouche on the left, circled “P” proof stamped on the wrist, with an olive
drab green canvas sling, K Line brown leather cheekpiece, and a checkered steel buttplate. Includes a Garand Collectors Association data sheet,
and a consignor supplied letter with a quote from acknowledged M1C authority Dave McClain that indicates this rifle looks to be original late World War II as it left
Springfield Armory, and “It’s about as nice as you will ever find.” Includes an unnumbered CMP shipping box with June 1998 shipping date.
CONDITION: Excellent plus overall, retains 98% plus original parkerized finish with a few minor handling marks, defined edges and sharp cartouches on the excellent
original stock. Mechanically excellent. The scope retains 95% plus original blue finish with some light wear rings around the sun shade, and crisp clear optics. The
box is fine. This excellent World War II U.S. Springfield M1C sniper rifle with M82 scope, matching bracket and mount would make an exceptional addition to any U.S.
military arms collection!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
NOTICE THE MATCHING SERIAL NUMBERED SCOPE MOUNT
LOT 354
Excellent World War II U.S. Winchester Model 97 Slide Action
324
Trench Shotgun - Serial no. E950504, 12 gauge, 20 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut stock. The Winchester Model 97 trench shotgun gained worldwide fame in the trenches of World War I with its slam fire capability,
and was extensively utilized in the
Pacific Theater during World War
II, remaining in Army and Marine
inventory until the 1990s. This classic military shotgun is desirable in any condition. Single bead front sight and six-hole heat shield with bayonet
lug. The barrel is marked for cylinder choke with 2 3/4 inch chamber, and “42” date marked on the
underside. Matching serial numbers marked on the bottom of the receiver and takedown collar.
The serial number of the gun dates to 1942 manufacture. A flaming bomb proof is present on top
of the barrel at the breech, with “U.S.” and a flaming bomb stamped on the left side of the receiver.
Ribbed forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with a boxed “G.H.D.” above crossed cannons on the left, sling swivels, checkered Winchester logo buttplate and a 13 3/4 inch length of pull.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% original blue finish with some light scratches mostly concentrated at the muzzle, minimal cycling wear, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The wood is also excellent with distinct edges, some scattered light scratches and handling marks, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This excellent Winchester Model 97 trench shotgun would make a fine addition to any U.S. Military firearms collection!
Provenance: The Harry W. Sanford Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000