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LOT 1329
Rare Smith & Wesson Model 1940 Mark I “Light Rifle” Carbine with Four Extra Magazines and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 867, 9 mm Luger cal., 9 3/4 inch fluted bbl., blue finish, synthetic stock. Developed
at the tail end of the 1930s and early 1940s upon request from the British government, the Smith & Wesson Light
Rifle was a contender for military contracts with both the British and the Americans and squared off against the
M1 Carbine as a pistol substitute for officers and support personnel. While it had some novel features, such as the
dual-purpose magazine well/ejector port, it failed at trials. Large numbers of the Light Rifles were destroyed, both
during testing and afterwards, including a reported incident of the British cutting their Light Rifle samples up with a
blowtorch and tossing the resulting scrap into the English Channel. Per an included letter from Roy Jinks, this Light
Rifle was part of a batch of 137 Mark Is found in S&W inventory in 1974, which were liquidated as curios with explicit
instructions that they were not to be loaded or fired. Fixed blade front and adjustable notch rear sight. The wide
magazine housing serves a dual purpose; the front section holds the magazine, and the rear portion is the ejection
port, so the fired cartridges are ejected directly to the ground instead of into the air. The action
operates from an open bolt, with the cocking hook on the right side
above the patent markings, and right side mounted rotary safety.
The left side of the action is marked with the two-line Smith &
Wesson address. The pistol grip stock is made of a black plastic/
composite material and is fitted with a serrated metal buttplate that
is marked with the serial number. Includes a brown leather sling,
four extra magazines, and a barrel wrench.
CONDITION: Excellent, 90% plus original blue finish, showing mild
oxidization concentrated on and in the barrel fluting, some pitting
visible on charging handle, and light
scratches and handling marks overall.
The right side of the magazine well
assembly is dented; this dent is
shallow, and does not affect
function. The stock is excellent,
with some light scuffs
and scratches.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,500 - 11,000
LOT 1328
Outstanding World War II U.S. Stevens Model 620 Slide Action Trench Shotgun with
Ammunition Boxes and Ammunition Pouch - Serial no. 27940, 12 gauge, 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock.
Offered here is an outstanding example of a World War II U.S. Stevens Model 620 trench shotgun. A reported 12,174 Stevens Model 620
shotguns were manufactured on U.S. contract during World War II, as adopted for the Army and Marine Corps, and remained in service throughout
the Korean War and Vietnam War. The Stevens Model 620 was a refinement of the Model 520. A solid frame
hammerless shotgun, the 620 was capable of being taken down for transport as well as having slam
fire capability, making it both easy to move about as well as a vicious source of firepower. A single
brass bead sight is installed on the bayonet lug adapter, with a six-hole heat shield, cylinder choke, “P” above a flaming bomb stamp
along with the three-line Stevens/Savage company Chicopee Falls address on the right side of the barrel, with the gauge and 2 3/4 inch
chamber markings on the left. The “P” and flaming bomb stamp are repeated on the left side of the receiver along with “MODEL 620”
and “U.S.”, and the serial number and “U/S” on the underside ahead of the trigger guard. Fitted with a smooth round forearm, pistol grip
stock and serrated plastic buttplate. 14 inch length of pull. Includes three full 10-count World War II era boxes of Remington-
UMC headstamped brass shell 00 buckshot 12 gauge M19 ammunition and a tan canvas Airtress Midland 1944 dated U.S.
shotgun ammunition pouch.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% plus original blue finish showing a proper plum hue on the bayonet lug adapter, with minimal minor handling marks. Wood is
also excellent with a few minor handling marks, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. The ammunition boxes are very fine. This excellent Stevens Model 620
trench shotgun would make a fine addition to any U.S. military firearms collection!
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
Collector’s Fact
According to "History of Smith &
Wesson" by Roy Jinks, only 137 Smith
& Wesson Model 1940 Mk. I Light
Rifles were found in 1974