SA Garands - Was there a transition period from E*** to GAW stocks?

[Steve Turner]

Hello,

I'm wondering if there was a time when both E*** and GAW stock cartouches were used in 1943?

There seems to be some overlap between the sources I've checked.

The books I consulted seem to suggest the cartouches changed at approx. serial number 1,860,000 from E*** to GAW, while recently several online sources are stating:

S/N 665,000- 2,092,000 June 1942-October 1943
S. A. / E.***. (Springfield Armory / Earl ***arland)

S/N 1,978,000-3,627,000 August 1943- March 1945
S. A. / G.A.W. (Springfield Armory / George A. Woody)

Was there an overlap period where either stock marking can be found?

What's the most accepted serial number that the cartouches changed if there was no transition period?

I'm interested what stock cartouche(s) would be most correct for SA serial# 1,918,473 ? Maybe either?

Thanks!
-Steve

[Steve Turner]

The censored part of my post should read:

E
M
c
F

[Johnny Peppers]

I haven't really kept up with M1 Rifles in the past few years, but the change in cartouche did not occur with the change in the Springfield Armory superintendent. When Col George A. Woody left in August of 1944 due to bad health, Brig. Gen Norman F. Ramsey was not appointed until October of that year, and the GAW cartouche continued to be used until the March 1945 time period.

I really don't know who currently publishes the most up to date list of serial number to cartouche.

[Steve Turner]

Thanks Johnny,

I thought this might be a tough question, a lot of conflicting information.

I'm really having a tough time trying to determine what could be correct for #1,918,473.

Perhaps the E*** cartouche was like the GAW cartouche and continued to be used to late 1943 - I'm not sure?

-Steve

[Johnny Peppers]

Original rifles from that period are so scarce that it is hard to gather enough information to give a definitive answer. I do know that the overlap on the GAW to NFR is pretty large in terms of serial numbers, and think it would be hard to argue with your rifle either way. My preference would be EM_F.