M1 Garand N.M. with Presentation Grade Updates
Description:
Springfield Armory - National Match M1 Garand - Serial Number 535418
With NM Type 1 Model 3 & Presentation Grade Updates
This is a 1942 Springfield M1 Garand with Type 1 Model 3, National Match Updates. It was further upgraded to a Presentation Grade Model at some point in the 60's, with visually attractive metal treatments and the addition of a very high-grade Curly Maplewood Tiger Striped Stock. None of the NM upgrades were affected by this upgrade. Research suggests that except for the nine ((9) Presentation Rifles that H&R in collaboration with Line Materials, produced for their Executives in 1955,
no two Presentation Models are the same. They can have different, barrels / receivers, added Crome, upgraded wood types / conditioning, metal treatments, etc. Differences that reflected the recipient’s status and / or dispositions.
Details:
Produced in March 1942, four months after the Pearl Harbor Attack, it was likely exposed to military activities. All of the documentation that I could find indicates that it was upgraded to an M1 Garand, National Match, Type 1, Model 3 Rifle in the 1959 production run. A representative of the CMP Armory, was nice enough to reviewed numerous photos (many more then in the listing) and he thought that there were significant indicators, confirming a Type 1 Model 3 NM, M1Garand. At some point in the 1960's, it was further upgraded to a Presentation Grade Rifle. Details of NM markings shown on all M1 Garand National Match Type 1, Model 3's, include.
- First use of NM marked parts in SA assembly.
- NM Stamped on the left side of the Barrel.
- Front site marked: NM062. First use of the 062 Stamping.
- Aperture marked: NM .595. (NM 520 was optional)
- Front sling swivel Marked N.M.
- Rear site at base marked: NM
- Windage Knob marked: NM
- Trigger marked NM
- All of these stampings are clearly visible on this rifle.
- Serial number 535418 was originally issued in March 1942.
- All of the above are clearly and correctly stamped on this rifle (CMP confirmed).
Notes.
Many collectors of M1 Rifles like to see an original WW2 Manufacturing Date; and this is an early WW2 date (://nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-m1-garand-rifle-production.htm). The number of Type 1 NMs produced in the 1959: New 2877 -- Rebuilt 2652 - Total: 5529
Background
When purchased in 1971 from someone I trusted, it was represented as a "Presentation Model, Garand" I’ve had this rifle evaluated over the years and the general consensus is that it is a 1942 Springfield M1 Garand Type 1 Model 3, NM Rifle, in very good serviceable condition. That had some very unique, interesting and attractive non-military affiliated additions.
I've done a lot of research in the past 50 plus years and this is what I came up with:
At some point between 1959 and 1971 this rifle was converted to a Presentation Grade M1 Garand rifle. That included a very attractive Tiger Striped - Curly Maplewood Stock, along with some impressive refinished metal. Very careful close inspection shows
very few, tiny marks and ware. To confirm the above, interested parties have the option of having this Rifle inspected by a qualified gun smith and / or wood type expert, located in the Tampa Bay area, at the potential buyer’s expense.
Presentation Grade Model Background
Presentation Models do not have the same build. They were altered to suit the personality type of the recipients. They were mostly given to individuals for significant achievements or as special gifts. Typically, these rifles are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, including the standard high-grade walnut wood, (again not to be repetitive, this rifle was upgraded to include Curly Tiger Striped Maplewood), and usually, some very attractive refinished metal. It also seems to be very similar to the photo found during an AI enhanced Google search. This is the #20 photo at the end of this listing. (This photo shows standard (straight) tiger striped Maple)
As was noted above, Presentation Grade Rifles are not uniform in appearance. They were specifically “Tuned” for their Recipient. Examples
- The “Statelier” President John F. Kennedy’s rifle had metal parts that didn't have the standard parkerized finish. It had a much nicer hand-polished blued metal finish, and the stock was high-grade American Black Walnut giving the whole rifle a luxurious formal appearance.
- A more Flamboyant General George Patton's Rifle. Had very visible metal components of the rifle chrome-plated, giving it a gleaming, distinctive appearance. The Stock was made of premium, highly figured walnut with a "fiddle back" (striped grain) pattern.
- The Inventor/ John Garand The rifle is more of a standard NM Build with Serial Number was 1,000,000. However, the wood is Highly Figured using deluxe walnut. The rifle was presented in pristine, museum-quality condition, Including Accessories housed in an impressive presentation walnut case. This presentation even included gold-plated cartridges and a silver-plated in bloc clip, highlighting its status as a ceremonial, non-combat piece.
I’ve received email and phone calls that challenge this description with comments like:
- Some metal parts don’t match issued M1 Garands (Typical for Presentation Model)
- The stock looks "fatter" (It isn’t, the wood and overall measurements are 100% correct. It’s the gloss that makes it look that way.).
- The metals aren’t parkerized, etc. (Typical for Presentation Models)
- NM parts could have been added to a standard Garand. Maybe: (But not likely)?
Sure, it's possible that someone could find NM marked parts and add them to a standard rifle? But why? An NM Type 1 Garand in the early 60's wasn't that expensive or hard to get? This is due to over 5,000 type 1's NM's being made obsolete with the release of the Type 2, in late 59. And more importantly, to the 1956 governmental decision to release Garands to DMC/CMP/NRA for distribution to qualified individuals. Beginning in 1959, between 5,000 to 6,000 M1 Garands (largely National Match variants) were distributed to qualified citizens via the CMP and the NRA programs. They continued to manage the release of Garands until 1973. So, in the 11 years between 1959 and 1971 (the year I acquired it), it would have taken less effort and cost to acquired and M1 NM, than building one by adding parts? Maybe after 1971 this would have made sense? But, it's the stock that is really hard to figure out? Who made it and why?
SO:
Since I can't figure out who constructed this rifle. and why? It can only be described as. a:
Springfield Type 1 Model 3 - NM M1 Garand Rifle with Presentation Grade Updates. I’ve checked a lot of M1 Garand Listings on the internet, that according the Google AI average 1500 rifles, off and on for over 5 years, just for the heck of it. And I have never seen a Garand that looked this nice.
Regarding the Wood, might be interesting?
Tiger striped or curly wood maple (also known as "figured maple") is a rare natural phenomenon, occurring in less than 5% of all maple trees. The specific percentage varies depending on the maple type. But the distinctive wavy or undulating grain pattern is not a separate species of maple but a growth aberration that happens sporadically and unpredictably within various Acer species, usually when exposed to server weather conditions over a significant period of time. The rarity and unique visual effect is called chatoyance. Might be interesting? Stradivari only used Highly figured, Tiger Striped Curly (flamed) Maplewood for the back and ribs of his violins. Due to strength, visual appeal and sound. Bosnia had gone through 4 years of very cold weather and high winds. Thanks for your interest.
Applies to all listings:
In 2002, the entire collection was professionally removed from wood and inspected for condition, then cleaned, lubricated and put back in the wood by a very experienced and professional Gunsmith. All received a clean bill of health from a condition stand point, most much better than appropriate for the age. They have only been lightly cleaned and oiled by me, since purchased. Since I acquired them, the entire collection has never out of a temperature-humidity, controlled environment. Most post 1920 guns have been fired by a qualified gunsmith or range master. For reliability, functionality and safety confirmation. I have fired a few of the newer rifles that are listed. Limited to a total of <200 rounds, max. Most rifles have some oil build-up in the tight places. This is due to never over cleaning them to maintain as much originality as possible.
Firearms that are equipped for them have as-issued correct Bayonet and Scabbards, in very good condition. Most have (sure looks like) as issued: Slings, clips and / or removable magazines. All have the expected stampings and / or cartouches. As far as I know, there are no reproduction replacement parts in this collection! Some Government Arsenal Reconditions are included with clear markings of this reconditioning, and these are identified in the listing.
All firearms are offered as collector’s items only. Seller does not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any firearm. A thorough inspection should be conducted by an experienced, reliable gunsmith / rangemaster, before even considering firing any gun.
All descriptions related to a Firearms are based on best knowledge. No Firearm is intentionally misrepresented and are described as accurately and to the best of my ability, as possible. Please make your own determinations. A 3rd party, totally independent gunsmith. Is available for consultation / condition confirmation, at the buyer’s expense. If you have or can find a qualified contact in the Tampa Bay Florida area, I’ll take it to them for inspection and consolation with you. I will not attend this call. I am available to take phone inquiries. Between 9AM & 6 PM. Most days.
Abiding by and meeting any and all: City, state or federal regulations, regarding the purchase or owning of firearms, or any item related to the firearm. Such as clips, magazines, bayonets or any item listed or sold with the firearm: Is the responsibility of the purchaser to meet, and/or abide by. Based on my knowledge, all firearms are mechanically sound and complete. But to be really clear,
I am NOT warranting them as safe to fire. This must be determined by a qualified range master or gunsmith. The Buyer must have a valid Driver’s License. And complete the Florida Individual Person: Firearm & Ammunition Transfer Disclosure Document, for every sale. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete and it protects the Buyer because my complete contact information, DL and Carry Permit numbers are on this form. Because an FFL dealer is the only person in the transaction that understands the regulations and laws of the Buyer state/city etc.; I will only ship to an FFL License. And. the FFL Holder will need to contact me and provide a copy of the license. Or at least the license number prior to shipping. All taxes, fees, insurance, customs and / or any other non-firearm specific regulations, related to the listing, is the responsibility of the buyer or buyer’s representative. Thank you for your understanding and agreement:
Thank you for your interest.
Manufacturer:
Springfield
Model:
M1 Garand w/ Presentation Grade Upgrades
Price:
$15,500.00