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According to author Bruce Canfield, during World War II, approximately 750 Johnson rifles were issued to the U.S. Marine Corps.
LOT 408
Outstanding Documented World War II U.S. Johnson Automatics Model 1941 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Bayonet, Manual and Copy of Johnson Automatics Mfg. Co. Invoice - Serial no. A0614, 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 allows reloading at any time, and a recoiling barrel that has the ability to be easily removed from the rifle by hand for takedown, which allows the rifle 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 barrel locking bushing has the correct markings of “30-06” and “41” for the year on the front flat. Blade front and 1,000 meter rear sight. The serial number “A0614” is on top of the receiver, and the bolt is numbered “B4676” (it was standard for numbered components on Johnson rifles to not match). It has a two-piece walnut stock and forend. Includes bayonet with brown leather scabbard, M1907 brown leather sling, an original Johnson 1941 semi-automatic rifle manual, and this rifle is also accompanied by an original mailing envelope addressed from Johnson Automatics company, an original invoice from Johnson Automatics indicating this rifle was sold to an individual for $100 and delivered on September 14th, 1948, and an original typewritten letter addressed to the purchaser from Johnson Automatics dated September 22nd, 1948 that states, “Thank you for your letter of September 16, and the check for $100.00, which was enclosed. The bolt catch to which you refer was purposely left out of this rifle, as we found that during the war the average shooter had some difficulty with its operation, and most Marine Corps personnel removed the piece and disposed of it.” CONDITION: Excellent plus, retaining 99% original parkerized finish with a few areas of old dried grease. Wood is also excellent with attractive grain and rich oil finish, some scattered light handling marks, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent, scabbard is fine, and the manual is very fine. Writer cannot recall another example as outstanding as this Johnson M1941 rifle with the factory invoice! Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500