As of yesterday, I am the proud (make that ecstatic) owner of a Springfield M-1 Garand, courtesy of the CMP- believe me it was worth the 3 1/2 month wait. I checked the serial number and found it was made post-war, in 1954, and the original barrel, dated November of 1954, is still intact. My question- the stock has absolutely no markings except for the "P" proof-firing mark. No cartouches or anything. I haven't looked under the handguards, but according to the resources I've checked, it *should* be marked on the side with a cartouche, shouldn't it? The stock is old, and appears original to the gun. Does anyone know if this lack of markings has any significance? Also, the wood on the stock is quite rough from wear. Since I bought it mainly as a shooter, not a musuem piece, would it be especially detrimental to it's value to sand the stock down and put a nice finish on it? The wood is a very deep, chocolate-brown color and I think sanded and finished it would look really nice. Thanks in advance for any advice