April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
These iconic rifles were manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island by Cranston Arms in 1941 as a competitor to the M1 Garand rifle. Series were numbered starting with "A". The finish is a medium to dark grey shade of parkerizing. Rifles were produced in blocks to 9,999. The first block has no letters, the second block had "A" and third block is "B". Prefixes are known to go as high as "G". Rifles were not built with any concern for matching numbers and mixed parts are the norm. Breech of barrel stamped "JA .30-06" with an additional "J". The lug is present and stamped "5770E". There were no inspection cartouches on stock. Rear sight was graduated to 1000 meters. Buttplate is checkered metal. Stock is walnut. This rifle is accompanied by a canvas military sling, along with the original bayonet and scabbard. Bayonet is a triangular spike model, parkerized, with leather sheath. Short recoil rotating bolt action. In service from 1941 to 1945. Barrel is easily removable for storage in a parachute jump bag. Magazine held ten rounds. Rear sight is marked "M2" for meters. It is reported that the "Devil's Brigade" used the Johnson rifle and was still being used in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. CONDITION: Metal retains 90% of the arsenal finish. Stock is excellent. Fine, near mint bore. It is getting more and more difficult to find original Johnson rifles.
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield