Winchester Presentation Garand

[John Ed]

I know there are some Serious Garand Collectors out there.

Does anyone have any info on the number of Presentation Garands that Winchester made.
I am not talking about the Trophy rifles but the Chrome/Nickle guns with deluxe wood.

These were probably made for employees,politicians or as at the NRA Convention in Nashville George Patton.

Thanks
John Ed

http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2015/4/10/handling-general-george-s-patton-s-m1-garand/

[John Ed]

Here is what I am talking about.

http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31262&d=1433896876

http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31263&d=1433896878

[Major Tom]

Holy Crap! Nice rifle. Much better than those gold plated commenoratives. I want one.

[M1Riflenut]

Wow! With flushnut sight as well! Got a serial number and are all parts correct for the time frame? In the pic it almost looks like a flat side oprod?

[John Ed]

No S/N since it was never issued. Only number on this thing is the number 3 inside the receiver.

That is why I am curious on how many were made.

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[CPC]

Interesting rifle. Looks like a no trap butt too but from the angle I cannot tell for sure. It would be interesting to see the break down on parts. I suspect the 3 might be order of issue as it looks fairly early from what I see regarding parts. Is there any background information, i.e., provenance from a WRA worker, foreman, outside agency, etc.? It has been a while but it seems I saw one other at Cody or maybe the museum in Oklahoma... my 3 or 4 brain cells are buzzing...

[RCS]

I would guess 1942 or 43 production example

[John Ed]

Here are a couple more pics.
Robert P. Patterson Sec. Of War was the recipient.

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[RCS]

Can you tell if TRADEMARK is one word or TRADE MARK

also does the receiver have the circular recess cut under the elevation knob (photo)31378

[John Ed]

TRADEMARK is one word.

Yes it does have the circular recess under the elevation knob.

[RCS]

I still believe it is a 1942 or later3139131392 production example

Winchester did use fancy deluxe walnut on some early WRA RS and WRA WB no-trap
stocks during 1941 (photos show some examples)

[Cosine26]

By this time I would have expected the more knowable experts to answer but I shall make a stab at it.

Presentation M1's
Canfield in his book the M1 Garand Rifle, identifies 15 ( thought he indicates that there may have been more) all assembled in 1941 from "rejected" or "scrap" parts. There is an is illustration in the book of a factory display board with a presentation rifle which has a "trap" butt plate indicating 1942 or later manufacture.
The first two were assembled for a couple of generals. One was returned because it did not function correctly. Winchester replaced the receiver and reassembled it into working condition. In the letter of transmittal it was indicated that the rifles were not expected to be operational. Twelve more were assembled, all out of salvaged parts and all had to barrels plugged so that they could not be fired. Eight were on wall mounting boards and four on desk mounts .
It was reported that the one at the Cody museum was assembled for General Patton but never presented due to his untimely death.
FWIW

[John Ed]

Thanks !!

This is the kind of information I was looking for.

I had contacted Cody Firearms Museum and they said they had no records of Winchester Garand production. They suggested SRS but with no serial number I figured it would be a bust.

This thing does have a weld in the chamber,although the barrel is not completely blocked.
There are no Proof marks on the barrel which goes along with the scrap/salvage parts comment.

Once again I can't thank you enough for the information.
I am not a Garand collector. Guess I'll have to get one of Mr. Canfields books.

[M1Riflenut]

Thanks !!

This is the kind of information I was looking for.

I had contacted Cody Firearms Museum and they said they had no records of Winchester Garand production. They suggested SRS but with no serial number I figured it would be a bust.

This thing does have a weld in the chamber,although the barrel is not completely blocked.
There are no Proof marks on the barrel which goes along with the scrap/salvage parts comment.

Once again I can't thank you enough for the information.
I am not a Garand collector. Guess I'll have to get one of Mr. Canfields books.

For not being a Garand collector, you sure have one heck of a collectable Garand! Thanks for the very interesting post and pictures.

[Cosine26]

I would make an educated guess and say that your rifle was probably in the last 12 mentioned above. The "plugged" barrel would seem to confirm this. Since it is to be wall mounted it probably one of eight.
The receiver probably failed some inspection before serialization and heat treating.
I would believe that it would be of interest to some specialized collectors.

[Rick B]

I am betting the hand guard clip has no holes as seen on a few other chromed WRA presentations. Can you let us know. Thanks,,Rick B

[John Ed]

Here is a pic of the handguard clip

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Pic of chamber weld/barrel plug

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[RCS]

Back in early 2004, Rock Island auctions had a plated Winchester M1 with fancy wood for sale (inventory number PPM995-31)
and also without serial number

[John Ed]

Would you happen to know the item number ?

From what I understand inventory numbers were for Rock Island in house use.
I would be curious to know what it sold for.

[RCS]

The Rock Island Auction list "Rare Winchester Factory Display M1 Garand Rifle and Winchester
Bayonet" They state it is a Gauge Gun and was assembled from gauge parts. Fully nickel plated
and has the Winchester logo but without serial number.

Also a Winchester marked M1 bayonet also nickel plated.

Lot Number 3752 Est. Price $7500 - $13000 (2004 price)

[John Ed]

Thanks for that info.....

Do you think the Rock Island Gauge Gun is one of the 15 (or More) mentioned in Canfield's book ?

Now I will have to think about this things future.

[gunner312]

Ever shot it? (LOL) Ah, just saw the welded chamber Too bad but then it was never meant to be used. Still a VERY nifty piece.