Page 288 - Demo

THIS EXTREMELY EARLY PRODUCTION U.S. JOHNSON 1941 RIFLE WAS IN THE FIRST PRODUCTION SERIAL NUMBER BLOCK, PREDATING THE "A" AND "B" LETTER PREFIXES.
LOT 419
Desirable Early Production U.S. Johnson Automatics Model 1941 Semi-Automatic Rifle, Serial Number “0067”, with Bayonet - Serial no. 0067, 30-06 Springfield cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This early Johnson M1941 semi-automatic rifle is serial number “0067” of the very first production serial block 0001-9999, predating the known A and B letter prefix rifles. Originally up for consideration by the Netherlands Purchasing Commission as a service weapon for colonial troops in the Dutch East Indies, a large order for the Johnson Rifle was placed in 1940, but the Japanese invasion of the East Indies prevented delivery. These rifles were not able to gain interest for adoption by the U.S. Army, who favored the M1 Garand, but a small amount of them were subsequently used by the U.S.M.C. Marine Raider and Parachute Battalions in the early Makin Island, Guadalcanal and Tulagi Island hopping campaigns in the Pacific. One source reports approximately 21,400 Johnson semi-automatic rifles in total were manufactured, and approximately 750 were procured by
the U.S. Marine Corps (Canfield’s book). The Paramarines favored these rifles partly due to the ease of barrel removal, allowing a compact length for carrying in a jump bag. After World War II, the majority of these rifles were sold to foreign countries or destroyed as surplus. Features a blade front and adjustable 1,000 meter rear sight. The top of the receiver is marked “CAL..30-’06 SEMI-AUTO./”JOHNSON
AUTOMATICS”/MODEL OF 1941/MADE IN PROVIDENCE.RI..U.S.A./0067” ahead of the standard patent markings, and a small five-pointed Dutch acceptance star mark over “CRANSTON/ARMS/CO.” in a triangle on the right
rear of the receiver. “41” marked on the lower front surface of
the barrel locking bushing, “.30-06” marked on top of the barrel, “J.A.” marked on top of the chamber and matching number “0067” marked on the underside of the chamber and
locking lug. The bolt body is marked with matching
number “0067”. Matching number “0067” marked on the firing pin sleeve, “E6430” marked underneath the extractor, and “A6722” marked on the right of the hammer. Fitted with a two-piece stock featuring a checkered steel buttplate. Includes a distinctive Johnson bayonet, leather scabbard,
and tan canvas sling.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 99% professionally
restored blue finish with a few small spots of very
light pitting and defined markings in the metal.
Wood is also very fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with a few light scratches and light handling marks. Mechanically fine. Included
bayonet is very fine. Scabbard is very good with some light wear. This
low serial number M1941 Johnson rifle would make a fine addition to any U.S. Military or World War II collection!
286 Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500