September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Johnson Model 1941 light machine gun manufactured by Cranston Arms of Providence, Rhode Island, and subsequently issued to the United States Marine Corps on June 6th,1942, as indicated in "Johnson Rifles and Machine Guns: The Story of Melvin Maynard Johnson, Jr. and His Guns" by Bruce N. Canfield. This example is marked with patent information followed by "LIGHT MACHINE GUN/ "JOHNSON AUTOMATICS"/ CAL..30-'06 MODEL OF 1941/ MADE IN PROVIDENCE, R.I. U.S.A." above the serial number "0102" over the top of the receiver, with "CRANSTON/ ARMS/ CO." stamped within an inverted triangle on the right. Front of forward barrel lug is stamped ".30-06" and "41". Metal components are parkerized while the forend, grips, and buttstock are solid walnut. Nearly all numbers match and include the receiver, barrel, and bolt assembly. Lower assembly does not match, and is instead from gun serial number "0158", which was included in the same shipment to the USMC on June 6th, 1942. This already extremely desirable rare and desirable example is accompanied by its original 1968 amnesty registration form, as well as 1977, 1978, and 1999 dated Commonwealth of Virginia state registration forms. 1 original 20-round magazine is present. NFA registry lists "JOHNSON AUTOMATICS" in the manufacturer block and "1941" in the model block. CONDITION: Metal components exhibit wear and thinning overall that is consistent with field usage, with the balance exhibiting a pleasing brown patina and showing a few scattered spots of mild pitting and some original finish remaining in protected areas. Bore is bright, exhibiting consistent moderate pitting in the grooves, and retaining strong rifling throughout. Good furniture exhibits some dings and marks from handling and storage. An honest, untouched, United States Marine Corps. issued Johnson Model 1941 light machine gun, accompanied by its original amnesty registration paperwork. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE.
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer
Cranston Arms Co.
Paperwork
Amnesty registration, State registration