I just got a SA M1 Garand from CMP. I'm not sure how to decode the serial #'s on the various assemblies, but I think it may be from the early to mid '50's. The weird thing is, (IMO) the stock has no serial # stamped on it. It has the SA cartouche and the Circle P cartouche, but no #. I am 100% sure this stock is completely untouched and original. Why no # on the stock?
When I was assigned to the Coast Guard recruit training center armory, we had HUNDREDS of M1's which were issued to recruits for d & c practice. I don't recall ever seeing one with a serialized stock. Sad part was, some of those rifles were perfect and with four, yes four, digit serial number receivers. All had been "de milled" with a tack weld at the barrel to receiver, and bores filled with lead. We had rifles from all manufacturers that ever made them. Almost made me cry to look at them.
Stocks were constantly interchanged, so it's unlikely you'll ever get the original stock on the original barrel and receiver. Take it from our military guys here, stocks were never serialized, but you will occasionally see partial numbers stamped on a stock. Mostly to identify them when they were issued to certain groups.
