September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
After viewing lnland's production of the T3 Carbine in March 1945, Winchester began experimenting and slightly modified the design. Winchester began production in the summer, although only 1,108 were completed before war's end. According to factory research, the serial number was applied to this very rare example on August 10, 1945, the day after the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki and just 4 days before Japanese surrender. This especially unusual example, which reportedly came from the Aberdeen Proving Ground, is fitted with an unmarked barrel with an approximately 3 - 1/4" unrifled extension added to the muzzle with no provision for a front sight. A military EI Paso Weaver M73B1 scope with duplex reticle and rubber eye piece is mounted to the receiver base. Scope is serial numbered in electro pencil "29426". Mixed late pattern internals including round bolt and flip safety. Walnut low wood stock marked with a "W" in the sling well and crossed cannons cartouche on the right. 2-rivet hand guard retained by a type 1 flat band. Documented experimentation was done at Aberdeen with similar M73B1 scoped T3 carbines with unsatisfactory results, as the spent casings struck the scope as they ejected. This carbine is pictured on pages 1074-1076 of Larry Ruth's "War Baby III". CONDITION: Very good overall. Nearly all of the original parkerized finish is retained with only light wear. Stock and hand guard have some scattered dings and impressions. Very good, crisp and bright bore. Fine mechanics. Lightly clouded optics. Very few T3s survived post war rebuilds, making this experimental example extremely scarce and an excellent addition to any advanced collection. PROVENANCE: Larry Ruth Collection
Paperwork
Factory Research, COA