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LOT 1425
World War II U.S. Johnson Automatics Model 1941 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. B7733, 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). This Johnson Model 1941 rifle has a modified open V notch cut performed on the rear sight which was originally a closed peep; considered to be a possible feature linking a rifle to being a Marine issued example, although some U.S.M.C. attributed examples are also known to have the protective ears of the front sight removed (not seen on this example). Information on U.S.M.C. sight modifications can be found on pages 140-144 of the book “Johnson’s Rifles and Machine Guns” by Bruce Canfield in which another example attributed as Marine issued with a V notch cut rear sight is pictured. 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 “B7733” is on top of the receiver and the bolt is numbered “C1120” (it was standard for numbered components on Johnson rifles to not match). It has a two-piece walnut stock and forend. Includes a reproduction bayonet with reproduction brown leather scabbard. CONDITION: Fine, retains 75% thin original parkerized finish with areas turning to a smooth brown. Stock is very good with numerous scattered dents and scratches, a recoil crack visible on the left of the wrist starting behind the receiver tang, and a few small chips at some of the edges. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1426 Rare Documented Winchester Model 70 “Van Orden Sniper” Bolt Action Rifle - Serial no. 337065, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Dubbed the “Van Orden Sniper”, this is a rare, highly sought after variation of the Winchester Model 70 rifle. After World War II, retired Marine Corps Colonel George Van Orden opened the Evaluators Gunshop outside the Quantico Marine base. Van Orden’s shop evaluated and sold equipment to police forces and to the military as well as to civilians all over the world. After the Korean War, the company began selling the special ordered Model 70 rifles in his own favorite configuration, which became known as the “Van Orden Sniper”. During World War II, then Captain Van Orden and Chief Gunner Calvin Lloyd recommended the use of the Winchester Model 70 rifle with an Unertl 8x scope as a sniper rifle to the Marine Corps Equipment Board President, however, wartime production delays caused the Corps to favor the Springfield Model 1903A1 rifle. Although dubbed the Van Orden Sniper rifle, the specific rifle was never purchased by the Marine Corps. The key features of a Van Orden Sniper rifle such as this example, are a clip slotted receiver, 24” medium heavy target barrel chambered in 30-06, a smooth non-checkered sporter stock as special ordered from Winchester, as well as Lyman scope blocks. This rifle is equipped with Redfield International Match rear sights, and sling swivels. The rifle shows standard Winchester barrel and receiver markings, including the factory oval proofs. This rifle is listed by serial number as a Van Orden Sniper which was sold to the United States Army in Philadelphia, PA. on page 42 of Norman Chandler’s “Death from Afar, Volume 1.” CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish with limited handling marks and a small patch of light surface oxidation behind the rear scope block. Stock is fine with scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This rifle would be a perfect addition to any Model 70 or sniper rifle collection! Estimate: 5,000 - 9,000
AS LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER RANGE IN THE BOOK DEATH FROM AFAR, VOL. I BY CHANDLER
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