Balder Posted March 29 Report Share Posted March 29 I have this rather crude M3, serial # 4539XX. Any idea when it was made? -Balder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rekraps Posted March 30 Report Share Posted March 30 A long time ago. Maybe 3000 BC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rekraps Posted March 30 Report Share Posted March 30 Just teasing, that looks like an interesting piece. I would suggest that you contact Andrewski and see if he is willing to apply his magic and restore that gun to as new condition. Remember, most if not all M3's (that looks like a M3A1) were arsenal refinished so no harm at all in getting this thing tidied up a bit. I note no Guidelamp stamp... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJX Posted March 30 Report Share Posted March 30 (edited) That sn was probably made in 1945 and should be an M3, not an M3A1. Note the M3 ejector housing and ejection port cover. The welds for the sling loop are rougher than I have seen. Looks as though the area where ‘Guide’ should be stamped has been buffed or worn smooth Balder, what is the history of this piece? Edited March 30 by JJX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rekraps Posted March 30 Report Share Posted March 30 3 hours ago, JJX said: That sn was probably made in 1945 and should be an M3, not an M3A1. Note the M3 ejector housing and ejection port cover. The welds for the sling loop are rougher than I have seen. Looks as though the area where ‘Guide’ should be stamped has been buffed or worn smooth Balder, what is the history of this piece? The M3 was out of production by then, the M3A1 was introduced in December of 1944. I guess we need to see the other side of the gun! The magazine release cage was only approved for production in August of 1944, so this gun was manufactured between August of 1944 and November of 1944. Also, I don't see the same wear on the magazine well as you, to me that just looks like discoloration. Pics would sure help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgeport28A1 Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 I believe Balder is in Norway and not in the US. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balder Posted March 31 Author Report Share Posted March 31 Thanks for your inputs. JJX, I stated that it is an M3, not an M3A1. You can barely see "Guide.." in the picture. I built this up around an old receiver and barrel, no idea about its origin. Balder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rekraps Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 Another mystery solved! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Got Uzi Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 An early M3 can have the magazine release guard installed on it as its a slip on piece so you can't base the date of manufacture just on that alone. Judging from the color, that gun has had work done to it before and the sling loop most likely was damaged or torn off at some point then someone tried (and honestly failed) to repair or put another one on the receiver. Most M3's are 1943 to mid 1944 as they were being stamped out (pun intended) at a much higher rate than most other USGI small arms at the time. I would say that this is an early 1944 gun given the serial number, but no production lists exist as to my knowledge. At some point, IF I'd ever get free time, I will sit down and go through the rather large box of original Ithica M3A1 records I have....records, test data, blueprints....yeah its a lot to sort out and go over... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJX Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 Balder, Thanks for the additional pics. I never doubted you for a second. The worn finish and two-tone look have a certain appeal. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taeelec Posted July 13 Report Share Posted July 13 Whatever you do, don't refinish it! I may have an ejection port cover. Todd in Oregon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rekraps Posted July 13 Report Share Posted July 13 21 hours ago, madmax1299 said: could i get picks of everything? how much are you asking? thanks! 2 hours ago, taeelec said: Whatever you do, don't refinish it! I may have an ejection port cover. Todd in Oregon I disagree, send that thing in and have it overhauled 100%! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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