Very early H&R stocks

[Scott Wilson]

What are the characteristics of the stocks furnished on very early H&R Garands? Were there any markings used other than the DoD stamp?

[Mike in NC]

Yes,

The very early HRA stocks did not have the DAS stamp but instead had a crossed cannon cartouche. I also believe the earliest version of those stocks had serif proof P in a circle on the pistol grip and then later had the "normal" HRA non-serif P in a circle proof on the grip.

[Scott Wilson]

Thanks Mike, do you think that the early stocks were supplied by Springfield?

[Mike in NC]

Scott, from what I was told, if I remember correctly was this: The very earliest HRA stocks with both the crossed cannon on the side instead of the DAS stamp and the serif P proof had that serif P not because the stocks were supplied by Springfield, but had more to do with the early inspectors that were on site at HRA when production began. They may have been "on loan" from the inspection / acceptance program that was going on at Springfield Armory.