September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
In April of 1952 approval was given to a team under Gerald Gustafson at the Aberdeen Proving Ground to develop a small caliber, high velocity (SCHV) cartridge based on a shortened .222 Remington. Testing continued from 1952 to 1953 with favorable results for the new .22 Carbine cartridge. Although the cartridge was not adopted, the .22 Carbine tests were very influential on Eugene Stoner during his development of the 5.56mm round utilized in the M16 rifle. This historically significant test carbine is one of only five made by Aberdeen. The barrel is marked "11 Aug 53 / A.P.G." and is threaded for a muzzle brake. In total 8 of the various experimental muzzle brakes are included with this lot. Carbine is fitted with a tall front sight blade and standard "H" marked adjustable aperture rear sight. IBM receiver with mixed rebuilt internals including round bolt and flip type safety. It feeds from modified 15-round magazines, 2 of which are included, each with some period white identifier paint added to the toe. M2 cut walnut stock and 4 rivet hand-guard retained by a bayonet lug band. A modified BAR bipod was also mounted for the tests. Importantly, this lot also includes 2 50-round boxes of the test ammunition labeled "CALIBER .22 CARBINE", one still sealed and the other containing 9 loose rounds. Includes photocopies of the Aberdeen reports and test results. The gun and ammunition are pictured on pages 1288 and 1289 of Larry Ruth's "War Baby III". CONDITION: Very good as arsenal rebuilt and modified. The vast majority of the arsenal finishes are retained with some moderate wear. Stocks likewise rate very good with handling marks. Very fine and bright bore with crisp rifling. Fine mechanics. A very important piece of 20th arms development history. PROVENANCE: Larry Ruth Collection
Accessories
Ammo, Extra Mag, Spare Parts