WWII JOHNSON MODEL 1941 SEMI-AUTO MILITARY RIFLE.

Cal. 30-06. S# A0571. Bbl. 22". The Johnson semi-auto rifle was developed just prior to WWII by Melvin Johnson and was submitted to be adopted in place of the M1 Garand. This did not happen, but Johnson secured a large contract with the Dutch government, who wanted the rifles for service in the East Indies. Some were delivered there, but the majority were taken-up by the U.S. government. It should be noted that the serial numbers on Johnson rifles rarely if ever were matched at the factory. Barrel marked over chamber "JA / 30-06" and encircled "dagger" acceptance mark. Assembly number matches on barrel and barrel extension. Barrel fitted with blade front sight with protective ears and bayonet lug. Receiver markings include "JOHNSON AUTOMATICS / MODEL OF 1941 / MADE IN PROVIDENCE RI. U.S.A. / CAL. 30-06 SEMI-AUTO". Adjustable aperture rear sight graduated to 1,000 meters. Right rear of receiver carries the Cranston Arms company inverted triangle and the Dutch five-pointed acceptance star. Checkered steel buttplate. Walnut stock set. Early type buttstock construction with integral cheeks. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: original Johnson spike bayonet. 8" blade. Bayonet is unmarked. Brown leather scabbard with retaining strap. Scabbard has wear, flexing and scuffing. Stitching remains tight. Bayonet has wear, but remains serviceable. CONDITION: stock set has arsenal rework type finish and moderate wear and handling marks. Buttstock has extensive repaired cracks on left side of grip and between trigger guard tang and rear of magazine. Metal has been restored with a dark parkerizing. Notable reblue on he magazine and barrel. Magazine dust cover is missing, leaving the cartridge follower and spring exposed. Bore is shiny with worn lands and scattered areas of light frosting. (26-1889/RW). CURIO. $5,000-8,000.