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Bronze M1 Garand


DSchlagan
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DSchlagan

Another post got me remembering this, and thought it interesting.

I picked it up at a lawn sale several years ago. I also purchased a WWII US AAF Folding Survival Machete, made by Case, at that sale. I had the impression that the owner was a WWII Veteran, though I can't be certain as he wasn't there to speak with.

 

This appears to me as cast bronze, and is surprisingly detailed for it's size. The rifle itself measures 6 7/8" long; it is overall 8 11/16" with bayonet. The only marking is "CLEVELAND O.", as illustrated in the photo. Appears to have a lacquer coating, which remains on most of it.

I do not believe that it was made as a toy, especially with that sharp, pointy thing, goin' on.

 

 

post-21709-1304746948.jpg

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DSchlagan

Dan,

 

Thanks for that explanation.

It makes perfect sense to have been designed as a letter opener. The bayonet is plenty sharp enough to do so.

It has a remarkable 'heft' for it's size, due to the bronze casting.

 

Regards,

Don.

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Its a private purchase letter opener. You can find them with base names on them. I saw two identical ones with FT.HOOD stamped into them. I have one that is unmarked.

 

Below is a period advertisement, you can see the rifle just like yours. This is from forum member "General Apathy" (I hope he doesn't mind!)

 

 

 

 

Justin

 

 

 

b9615h.jpg

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DSchlagan

Justin,

 

Thanks much for the info and the advertisement page.

 

They would be kinda cool to collect. They're remarkably detailed and I would be interested to know exactly what casting process they used. There are absolutely no mold marks on them. Probably an upscale investment casting.

 

Regards,

Don.

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RustyCanteen

Letter opener.

 

Probably just because it is a simplified design,but the front end resembles a "gas trap garand".

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