Danish M1 Garand FKF, Italian Breda .30-06 Semi Auto Rifle 1950s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,575.50
WOA#: WY240515RG005
Make: Breda Meccanica Romana, Italy. A Danish Contract Rifle.
Model: M1 Garand
Serial Number: BMR 4372
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1950s.
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi Auto, En Bloc Clip Fed
Markings: Import mark on the left receiver leg: “SACRAMENTO CA LITHGOW”
Receiver: “BREDA MECCANICA ROMANA / ITALIA” on the left and “crown / FKF / Nr / BMR 4372” on the rear.
Trigger Group: “D28290 BMB”
Hammer: “BMB C46008 ” and “M.1.”
Safety: “PB” and “M.1.”
Receiver Leg: “D 5 2 4 B.M.R / D.6528291”
Barrel: “SPRINGFIELD GENESEO 30-06”
Bolt: “D-28287-12SA S A10”
Gas Tube Plug “PO”
Clip Latch: “BMB”
Gas Lock: “M”
Op Rod: “6535382 SA”
The stock and sights are described below.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight set between two protective wings. The windage knob is marked “LEFT arrow” twice with “SA”. The elevation knob is marked from 2-12 in increments of 2 and “WCE”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The right side of the butt is marked with “MT”.
The stocks are 3-piece smooth wood with a pistol grip, metal nose caps, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage in the butt. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The upper handguards have some scratches, compressions and marks scattered throughout. The stock has some very light handling wear and a somewhat strange extension glued to the front of the stock just behind the nose cap /sling swivel. The buttplate shows some finish loss and wear with semi dulled checkering. The buttplate is also missing a screw. Overall the wood furniture on this rifle rates in Good condition for C&R given its age.
Type of Finish: Parkerized and Melonite
Finish Originality: Refinished and original
Bore Condition: This action has been rebarreled with a modern Springfield Armory 30-06 barrel. The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There are some lines in the bore from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is some minimal operational wear on the friction surfaces of the rifle. The action both above and below the wood line show some stains from wood stain or old oil. The edges of the trigger guard have lost their finish. The bottom metal has begun to patina. The sling swivels have lost their finish as well. Many of the parts have been refinished but the markings are still very clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Very Good + condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Danish contract M1 Garand, manufactured by Breda Meccanica in Italy, is a notable variation of the iconic M1 Garand rifle. This variant holds historical significance due to its production under a contract for the Danish military, representing a unique collaboration between Italy and Denmark. Breda Meccanica Bresciana, an Italian company known for its precision engineering and quality firearm production, manufactured these M1 Garands. The Danish contract M1 Garands were produced in the early 1950s, following World War II, when many European countries were rearming and modernizing their military forces. Denmark, seeking to update its arsenal, chose the reliable and battle-proven M1 Garand, contracting with Breda for production. These rifles were largely identical to the standard M1 Garand in terms of design and functionality. They featured the same semi-automatic operation, chambered in .30-06 Springfield, with an eight-round en-bloc clip system. The rifles maintained the robust construction and reliability that made the M1 Garand famous during World War II and the Korean War. However, there are a few distinguishing features and markings that set the Danish contract M1 Garands apart. The most notable difference is the presence of Danish military markings, including a crown and the FKF(Forsvarets Krigsmaterial Forvatlning) stamp, indicating Danish Defense Arms/Material Management. Another unique feature of this example is that it has been rebarreled with a modern Springfield Armory Barrel. Over time, many Danish contract M1 Garands have found their way into the surplus market, becoming collector’s items. Their historical significance, combined with Breda’s quality manufacturing, makes them a unique and desirable variant of the M1 Garand. In summary, the Danish contract M1 Garand made by Breda Meccanica in Italy is a noteworthy variant of the classic American rifle, distinguished by its production under a specific contract for the Danish military. These rifles retain the legendary reliability and performance of the M1 Garand while featuring unique markings and historical context. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
