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LOT 3292
World War II Johnson Automatics Model 1941 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Bayonet - Serial
no. A9728, 30-06 Springfield cal., 22 inch
round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock.
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). These rifles employed several unique
features such as the rotary magazine which allowed reloading at any time, a recoiling barrel which started the cycling of the rifle and the takedown
barrel which allowed them to be stowed in a parachute jump bag. The rear, right side of the receiver is marked “CRANSTON/ARMS/CO.” in a triangle
below a small five-pointed Dutch star as commonly seen on Johnson rifles, and the top of the receiver is marked “CAL. 30-’06 SEMI-AUTO./”JOHNSON
AUTOMATICS”/MODEL OF 1941/MADE IN PROVIDENCE, R.I., U.S.A.” above the serial number with U.S. and foreign patent date markings to the rear. The
front flat of the barrel locking bushing has the correct markings (41 for the year and 30-06). It has the correct wartime green parkerized finish with a
parkerized rear sight which is marked on the side with 100-900 meter markings and marked “M2” on the left side. It has a two-piece walnut stock and
forend. Includes “MRT/3-96” leather sling, bayonet, and leather scabbard.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% original parkerized finish with some areas faded to a smooth brown patina, some scrape marks around
the front sight, and traces of the original black painted outer protective coating. Wood is also fine with some light scratches and dings, a re-glued crack
on the left running from below the receiver into the wrist, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is fine with some scattered
moderate pitting, leather scabbard is also fine with some
light age related wear.
Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000
NOTICE THE SCOPE MOUNT IS SERIAL NUMBERED TO THE RIFLE
LOT 3293
U.S. Springfield Armory M1C Semi-
Automatic Sniper Rifle with M82 Scope - Serial no.
3614640, 30-06 cal., 24 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock. The
first semi-automatic sniper rifle adopted by the U.S., 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 in WWII, Korea and as late as Vietnam. The receiver in this rifle was manufactured in March of 1945. Blade front and peep rear sights, “1 S A 3 45” barrel, as well as a Springfield bolt, trigger components, and uncut operating rod. The scope rail is secured to the side with three screws and two pins, serial numbered to match the rifle on the underside, with a Griffin & Howe patent marked ring assembly numbered “3615634”. The scope is blue finished, with M82 markings, serial number “44039”, rubber eyepiece and single post reticle. The smooth pistol grip stock is marked “S.A./N.F.R.” and “crossed cannons” on the left, “207” behind the receiver heel and “P” on the wrist, with a canvas sling, unmarked brown leather cheekpiece (laced on, screws absent), and a checkered steel buttplate. Includes a Hart M2 flash hider and a Garand Collectors Association data sheet.
CONDITION: Very fine with 95% of the arsenal parkerized finish, showing some light wear and handling marks overall. The re-oiled stock is fine, with a number of light dings and scuffs, and the cheekpiece shows some cracking and verdigris buildup. The scope is excellent, with mild external wear, and aside from some dark spots around the edge the optics are clear. Mechanically excellent.
170 Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500