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LOT 1461
World War II U.S. Johnson Automatics Model 1941 Semi-Automatic
Rifle - Serial no. B3635, 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 “41” for
the year and “30-06” on the front flat. Blade front and 1,000 meter rear sight. The serial number “B3536” is on top of the receiver
and the bolt is numbered “C2076” (it was standard for numbered components on Johnson rifles to not match). It has a two-piece
walnut stock and forend. Includes M1907 leather sling.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 98% arsenal refurbished parkerized finish. Buttstock and forearm are both very fine with a
coat of protective varnish applied. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,000 - 13,000
LOT 1462
World War II Stevens Model 520-30 Slide Action Trench Shotgun - Serial no. 51166, 12 gauge, 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. A
military variant of a John Browning designed sporting gun, the 520 trench shotgun was originally developed in response to a World War I request
for new fighting shotguns for the American Expeditionary Force. It made a strong impression on the evaluators but did not make it into the field before the armistice was
signed. Seeing potential for the gun on the police market, Stevens kept production going until 1932, and at the outbreak of World War II, the U.S. government bought every 520 that was still
in the warehouse. Checked back into the arsenals at the end of the war, many were sent back into the field for the Korean War and Vietnam. Correct bayonet lug adapter and ventilated handguard.
The right side of the barrel has the three-line Stevens Company address. The left side has the two-line gauge markings “PROOF TESTED-12 GAUGE/-2 3/4 INCH CHAMBER-”. Choke gauges at cylinder. The
left side of the receiver is stamped “MOD. 520-30”, and it has the correct “P/Ordnance Bomb” proof on the left of the barrel and left front edge of the receiver. It has an all blue finish with smooth forearm and pistol grip stock with a black plastic buttplate. The stock and bayonet lug are correctly fitted with sling swivels. Length of pull is 14 inches.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% original blue finish with some areas of scattered light freckling, and defined markings and edges in the metal. Wood is very good with a gap at the receiver juncture, some light scratches and handling marks, a crack on the left rear of the forearm, and otherwise defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
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