Question about a Cartouche on my Garand

[civprod]

I have a Springfield M1 Garand that was made in November 1944. On the left hand side of the stock there is a "D" engraved on it. The only other marks on the stock are a copy of the receiver serial number on the underside of the stock. The Garand came from CMP, but I am not the person who received it so I don't know where the surplus came from. I do belive that there were sniper models that were M1-d's, but I don't believe that is the case with my Garand. If I understand it correctly, M1-d's have two holes drilled on the underside of the stock. My Garand has no such holes.

Does anyone know what the "D" stands for? Thank you.

 

[Devonai]

According to The Complete M1 Garand by Jim Thompson, rifles made in November 1944 by Springfield Armory were inspected by General Norman F. Ramsey, and so bore the cartouche "NFR." All cartouches were at least two letters, so I don't know what the letter "D" denotes. I'll keep researching if eclancy doesn't beat me to it.

 

[DMK]

It seems that most of the CMP Garands of the last few years were refurbished at least once. My guess is that the "D" denotes the place where it was refurbed and it probably got new wood there which explains the lack of the other cartouches.

 

[Sunray]

The best source of info is the Garand forum at http://www.jouster.com/.
"...sniper models..." M-1D's and M-1C's. Your 'D' doesn't mean 'sniper'. I think it's an inspection stamp. The guys at Jouster will be able to tell you exactly. Post the Serial number there too. They'll ask for it.

 

[Kurush]

Are you sure it isn't a "P" with the bottom worn off? It must be a rebuild, but my book doesn't list a "D" cartouche.

 

[Winnisimmet]

Stock is a DANE Garand type with serial number

Rifle was probably a Danish CMP return.

The DANEs either stamped existing USGI walnut wood with the serial number or did so on their own made Beech stocks. Europeans have always marked stocks, bolts and other components with the weapon's serial number. Other marks could be just about anything put on locally.

 

[Swampy]

civprod,

Winn is correct.

Your rifle is a Danish returned M1. The Danes are the only ones who stamped the complete serial number of their M1's into the lower edge of the buttstock between the rear sling swivel and the pistol grip. The US Military never did this.

There is no US Armory or Arsenal stamp I know of that is a "D" alone. If this stamping is anywhere on or around the pistol grip then I'd also agree that it is part of a Proofing mark, which is a "P".

You say the "D" is "engraved".... you mean cut with a knife, engraved??? or stamped??? If it's cut with a knife, wood removed to create a letter, then that was done by some Danish soldier-sailor who had spare time and who's girlfriend was named Danielle or Denise, or some such.... All cartouches are done with a stamping.....

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever