Page 353 - 4095-BOOK1

351
LOT 377
Documented U.S.
Springfield M1C
Garand Semi-Automatic Sniper
Rifle with M84 Scope in Griffin & Howe Mount, and CMP Certificate of Authenticity - Serial
no. 3372376, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock. Receiver
manufactured in January 1945 and subsequently upgraded to M1C sniper configuration by Griffin & Howe as a part of the World War II contract
between the civilian firm and the U.S. Springfield Armory. Adopted in July 1944, the M1C Garand rifle was the U.S. military’s first standard issued semi-automatic
sniper rifle, with an initial order total of 21,158 placed, though only 7,971 M1C rifles were completed by the end of World War II, per page 432 of “The M1 Garand Rifle” by Bruce
Canfield. Various manufacturing and accuracy issues, along with a shortage of telescopes, delayed delivery of the first rifles until the closing days of the Pacific Theater Campaign in mid
1945, with the M1C replacing the M1903A4 as the official U.S. sniper rifle from the end of World War II, through the Korean War, and into the Vietnam War. An additional 4,796 M1C rifles were built up by the
U.S. Springfield Armory c. 1951-1953, utilizing a left over stockpile of approximately 19,000 M1C receivers (pre-drilled with five screw holes on the left side by Griffin and Howe) kept in storage since the end of production in
1945, per page 524 of Canfield’s book. SA “12-54” dated barrel, blade front and peep rear sights, “DRC” windage drum, SA bolt, trigger housing, hammer, safety, and relief cut operating rod. The M84 scope is serial numbered “5254”
on the data plate, with a post-and-crosshair reticle, sliding sunshield, and a Griffin & Howe ring assembly mount numbered “3372308” on the right side below the crossed out number “3351738”. The scope mount bracket is secured
to the left side of the receiver with three screws and two pins and is numbered “3640545” on bottom. The stock is stamped with a boxed “S.A./SHM” inspection cartouche on the left of the wrist next to crossed cannons, and a circled
“P” proofmark behind the trigger guard. Includes a green canvas sling, M2 cone flash hider, modern shipping box, and a June 25, 2007, dated CMP Certificate of Authenticity listing this rifle as an “M1-C Garand”.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 85% plus parkerized finish, with some edge wear. Stock is very good, with nice figure, dents and scratches, and a legible cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very fine, retains 30% original blue finish
with smooth brown patina and freckling, the left dial cover and rubber eyepiece are absent, with crisp clear optics.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 376
Rare and Highly Desirable World War II U.S. Ithaca Model 37 Slide
Action Trench Shotgun - Serial no. 61441, 12 gauge, 20 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, only 1,422 Ithaca Model 37 trench
shotguns were manufactured c. 1942 on U.S. contract during World War II,
in the 57820-61450 serial number range, per page 132 of Canfield’s “Combat
Shotguns” book (2007 publication). This is a very fine specimen of one of the
rarest of the various World War II trench shotguns that were made for the U.S.
military. A later contract for Ithaca Model 37 trench shotguns was given during
Vietnam, typically seen with a different finish. This World War II example features
a small flaming bomb proof stamp on the left side of the receiver followed by the Ordnance inspector initials “R.L.B” of Col. Roy L. Bowlin, head of the
Rochester Ordnance District, with a commercial type high polish blue finish, the short six-hole sheet metal handguard, and a single brass bead sight on
the bayonet adapter. The matching serial number “61441” is marked on the right front surface of the frame and lower right breech area of the barrel. The
barrel has the 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch chamber markings. It has a plain, oil finished walnut stock correctly with no cartouches and a ribbed pump handle.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 80% original blue finish with some cycling wear and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and crisp markings. Wood is very good, with
scattered surface flaking, dents, scratches, a few small non-structural cracks directly behind the receiver, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
Collector’s Fact
According to "Combat Shotguns" by
Bruce Canfield, only 1,422 Ithaca
Model 37 trench shotguns were
manufactured for U.S. Contract.