WWII DUTCH CONTRACT JOHNSON MODEL 1941 SEMI-AUTO MILITARY RIFLE

WWII DUTCH CONTRACT JOHNSON MODEL 1941 SEMI-AUTO MILITARY RIFLE

24-2704
Cal. 30-06
S# A1571

Johnson rifles rarely if ever have matching S#s as they were not matched at the time of manufacture. The Johnson rifle was designed by Marine Captain Melvin M. Johnson, Jr. as a replacement for the 1903 Springfield rifles. The Johnson rifle did very well in trials but did not ultimately prevail against the M1 Garand. The Dutch government contracted for a large quantity of Johnson rifles to equip troops in the Netherlands East Indies. Only a small quantity were delivered with the balance of the contract purchased by the U.S. Marine Corp. These rifles were also used by the joint U.S. and Canadian Special Service Force. Bbl. 21 7/8″. Bbl. and bbl. extension are numbered “1736K”. Bbl. is marked on top of chamber “J.A. / 30-06 (marked underneath chamber with “J” and circular acceptance mark. The receiver is marked on the right rear with the Dutch acceptance “star” over the Cranston Arms inverted triangle logo. Receiver markings on top include “JOHNSON AUTOMATICS” / MODEL OF 1941 / CAL. 30-06 SEMI-AUTO”. Adjustable aperture rear sight graduated to 1,000 meters. Blade front sight with protective ears. Bayonet lug is present on bbl. Walnut stock set. Buttstock and forend have the early one piece construction in the mag. area. Flat checkered steel buttplate. Unmarked Model 1907 brown leather sling with steel hooks.

UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 7 1/2″ original all metal spike blade bayonet. Bayonet is unmarked. Unmarked brown leather scabbard. Bayonet has been cleaned but retains 50% of original finish with light wear. Scabbard has very light wear and staining but retains tight stitching and is in good serviceable condition. stock set has very good appearance with a large percentage of a vintage arsenal rework finish. Stock has light wear and scattered scratches and handling marks. Notable scratches on right side of forend. Metal retains a large percentage of its original finish with light wear. Very good shiny bore with sharp lands.

PROVENANCE: from the Lifelong Collection of Jim Williams.

STATUS: CURIO