SHARP WWII Johnson Automatics Model 1941 .30-06 Semi Auto Rifle & Bayonet

SOLD FOR: $8,225

LSB#: 240129GS002

Title: WWII Johnson Automatics 1941 .30-06 Rare Dutch Semi Auto Rifle Bayonet C&R

Make: Johnson Automatics

Model: 1941

Serial Number: A5405

Year of Manufacture: 1941-1945

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Semi Automatic, 10 Round Internal Rotary Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with patent information, the serial number “A5405”, “CAL. 30-’06 SEMI AUTO.” and “ ‘JOHNSON AUTOMATICS’ / MODEL OF 1941 / MADE IN PROVIDENCE, R.I., U.S.A.”. The right rear of the receiver is marked “CRANSTON / ARMS / CO” in an inverted “triangle” with a small “star” above it. The “triangle” was a Dutch National symbol and the small “star” is a Dutch acceptance mark (page 251 of Bruce Canfield’s book, Johnson Rifles and Machine Guns).
The face of the barrel collar is marked “.30-06 / 41”. The barrel shank is marked “JA / 30 06” and with a partial stamping. The barrel lug and barrel shank are each marked “5285F”.
The bayonet is marked with numbers that do not correlate to the rifle’s serial number.

Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a windage adjustable aperture. The adjustment knob functions. The aperture is set on a sliding riser.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2 piece smooth wood with a pistol grip, several holes for mounting screws, channel under the forearm for the takedown lever, 2 sling loops, and a checkered metal buttplate. The hole on the right front of the forearm is a takedown button. It can be pressed with the tip of a bullet to release the barrel takedown lever that is on the bottom front of the forearm. The wood shows scrapes and compression marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows light oxidation & light soiling. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The grooves are semi bright. The rifling is sharp & deep. There is erosion in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.2.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7.5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and discoloration from both oil residue and oxidation. The barrel shank shows thinning. The screw heads show use. The markings are range from well defined to light. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action Does function correctly. This firearm has not been tested, these are used items. While we have performed a mechanical function check and noted any discrepancies we cannot guarantee the suitability of this firearm.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a leather sling, a canvas M8 Spare barrel cover, a canvas muzzle cover, and with a Model 1941 bayonet & leather scabbard. The bayonet mounts the rifle properly.

Our Assessment: This Rare Johnson Automatics Model 1941 is in nice shape for a Military Rifle that is over 75 years old. The rifle has good markings on the metal which include a Dutch acceptance mark. The rifle comes with a Model 1941 bayonet and leather scabbard. A limited number of these rifles were used by American troops during WWII and are prized by collectors.

The following information can be found (with much more detail) on pages 73 to 87 and pages 216 to 223 of Bruce Canfield’s book, Johnson Rifles and Machine Guns:
In July of 1940 the Netherlands (Dutch) placed an initial contract for 10,200 Johnson Model 1941 Rifles. At the time Johnson Automatics did not have the production capabilities to fulfill the contract. Johnson had to develop partnerships to fulfill production of the rifles. Johnson partnered with the Universal Winding Company of Cranston, Rhode Island to form the Cranston Arms Co.; hence the Cranston Arms Co. “triangle” stamping on all Model 1941 Rifles. The “triangle” was a Dutch National symbol.
Johnson Automatics went bankrupt in 1949. Many of the leftover Johnson Automatics spare parts and barrels were purchased by an importer who was also able to acquire surplus military M1941 Rifles that had been sold to the Dutch. The Johnson Automatics spare parts & barrels were used to put the surplus Dutch Johnson M1941 Rifles into working order. These rifles were then offered to the public by mail order from the late 1950s into the late 1960s. Many were offered in “as is” Military configuration while others were “Sporterized”. The Sporterized rifles featured new barrels made by the Apex Rifle Company of Sun Valley, CA.

…Now go shoot something!