Bob Lamoreaux

As you probably know, these were NOT "Johnson prototypes". These were "fakes" probably fabricated by an individual in California. It is possible that the actual individual doing the machine work was a gunsmith in Colorado. Be verywary of so-called "Johnson prototypes" with an "X" prefix serial number.

I know this topic was discussed before, but I wanted to revisit it because of the rust removal issue in the posts regarding the JSAR that was stored in a (damp) basement. I used EEZOX -- a pricey product -- and am VERY pleased with how it has protected my firearms. It appears to protect against fingerprints on firearms and other metal and certainly has done a good "general" job of keeping the weapons (including knives) rust free. Draw back, other than price, is that you REALLY have to use this stuff outside or in a VERY WELL VENTILATED space. As keeping our firearms and other metal collectables in pristine condition is an important part of Johnson collecting, I am wondering if others have tried this product or if there are other "favorite' products that act as CLPs.

One of the esoteric pieces of information that I recently picked up is that -- at least -- military rifle (and submachine gun) design and production incorporates something called either "ordnance chambering" or "ordnance headspacing". Apparently this technique allows mass produced barrels to be fitted to receivers possibly without the need to headspace. This, apparently, accounts for the need for "registration marks" on the barrels and receivers. I suspect that this type of production engineering allowed for the barrel to be screwed into the locking collar with the correct headspace for interchangability with all JSARs (or JLMGs). If the barrel/locking collar are original, I'd expect the assembly to fit and function with ANY Johnson rifle or l.m.g. (as appropriate). Problem would arise with a new barrel being fitted into the locking collar. Probably would get the same result with any weapon with an interchangable barrel assembly. Joe Scott could probably enlighten us on this facet of Johnson manufacture/design if anyone is interested.

Buffed badly! Who ever did the bluing job really went overboard on the buffing -- look at the rounding at the rear of the receiver. I'm old enough to remember that "sporterizing" military arms was "THE" thing to do back in the '60s, most people not believing they would ever have any value except for hunting. Look at the prices for World War II firearms now and pick up an old gun magazine from the '60s and eat your heart out. My first rifle was a Lee-Enfield "Jungle Carbine" in like new condition for $29.95 from "Ye Old Hunter" (Hunter's Lodge) in Alexandria, VA. Shipped without any problem or license. Johnson rifles were $59.95 from the same source. Johnson bayonets were $1.

South Central Pennsylvania has a very well attended show coming up in York, PA. This is the "East Coast Small Arms Review Show" that usually attracts buyers. Since it is focused on military weaponry, I would guess that a Johnson display would attract attention. Note that the Thompson submachine gun folks (Thompson Collectors Assn.) presents a very nice multi-table display. These multi-table displays tend to be very pricey, however, the TSMG display being nearly %5K, if memory serves me correctly. I believe the SAR show is scheduled for April 30, May 1 and 2, 2010 and is held at the York, PA fairgrounds -- plenty of FREE parking!

Well, I guess I AM --- going senile! It isn't an anchor mark that raises the question, it is the sword mark! Sorry about that mistake! However, sometimes one finds arcane but useful info in books or publications about other weapons that shed light on questions such as that raised about the sword marking. Keep reading, guys! Sorry about my confusion! Bob

Hope I'm not going completely senile, but I seem to remember that an anchor mark was stamped on either the barrel bushing (locking bushing) or on the barrel of JSARs. I believe that there was a question as to the menaing of the mark or which subcontractor use it. In reading Tracy Hill's book on the Thompson Submachine Gun, it is noted that Remington Arms Co. used the anchor as a mark on TSMG parts that were made under subcontract. Just throwing this one out there for comments! Bob

Hi, again, Bob. Guess what! I haven't scanned the Form 2s -- guess I should, so they are "all over the place" chronologically. I think I might have a chronological list of the s/ns though. Here is the interesting thing: even as last as 1944 or '45 (can't remember last date available), the JLMGs were registered (except for one or two prototypes, if my memory serves me -- and it frequently does not) as M1941s. I am not sure if this indicates that Johnson Automatics considered the M1944s as simply a M1941 variation or if the M1944 Form 2s are missing. Because the Form 2 is a tax document, they are unavailable under the Freedom of Information Act, but I suspect that all of the JLMGs were reported as M1941s, excepting the later prototypes. Bob Lamoreaux

Unfortunately, there are no production logs for the Johnson light machine guns. Or at least none that have been found. Some fragmentary Form 2 (Treasury Department manufacturer's registration forms) survive.

As Jim mentioned in his reply, a number of Johnson rifles were shipped to the Dutch (Netherlands) West Indies -- Aruba, etc. Further, a number were issued to the Netherlands naval forces, presumably the navy, though I am not sure whether there use by the navy was in the Netherlands colonies or generally. Interestingly, the Dutch were purchasing munitions on a "cash-and-carry" basis for a significant amount of time after the Lend-Lease Act. The Dutch government, particularly the N.E.I., was considered to be the client of the British. I don't have any material on Johnson exports at this time, but suggest that virtually all Johnsons, except about 1,500 l.m.g.s (which may or may not have been '44s) were issued to either the Dutch or the USMC. There is a possibility that some JLMGs (approaching 1,200) may have been provided to French colonial troops for/during the Italian Campaign. Unfortunately, dispositive documentation regarding the Dutch purchases/deliveries probably remains in the Dutch archives, with some info possibly in the British National Archives (formerly the PRO) possibly under the heading: Army Navy Munitions Board (London)[i could be wrong on this, but I seem to recall that the records for the London board remain in England]. The Munitions Export Licenses in the National Archives (US) may offer some clues as to how many and where Johnson weapons were shipped, but the Licensee will not be Johnson Automatics. Probably the Netherlands Purchasing Commission or one of its subsidiaries. Alot of research is still to be done on the minutae of the Johnson history! Unfortunately, the more detailed or obscure the material, the greater the expense in digging it out -- either in time or money! Bob

I believe the photo is of members of "Alpha 66", a Cuban freedom fighter group, training in South Florida. I think this photo was taken in conjunction with a Life magazine article, and may have been post-Bay of Pigs. Interestingly, I never saw a photo of Johnson rifles or lmgs in the hands of the BOP invaders. The small arms seemed to have been pretty straight obsolete -- forgive my use of that word -- U.S. small arms: M1 Garands, carbines, 1919A6 (maybe some A4s, as well) and possibly some Ma Deuces. I'd really like to know more about the arming of U.S. backed Cuban groups, but suspect that I'll be long gone before that becomes declassified.

In my research, I've never come across reference to or a photo of a Johnson sniper rifle. At least one "purpose-made" and produced. Now watch someone prove me wrong!

By way of further info, all of the Johnson machine guns are considered C&Rs. Problem might be that a JLMG that is not on the NFA Registry cannot be legally owned or transfered. This includes that DEWATS that were sold in the '50s and early '60s. Until there is another Amnesty. . .holding my breath with fingers crossed!. . .unregistered machine guns cannot be registered. Question regarding this is whether those machine guns that were DEWATTED were registered on the NFA Register when imported or sold. . . Not sure of the implication if they were!

Correction! This shows how age is causing momentary memory loss! The block below the radiator sleeve on one of the illustrated JLMG "semis" is for the fore end screw or is a "spacer" block -- can't remember which, NOT the bipod mount. Sorry about that. The pictures sure show some "pretty" pieces!

I received my "preview" brochure for the December "premier" auction held by Rock Island Auction and noted a "factory prototype" of a semi-auto JLMG. I suspect this is one of those "parts" guns from the early 80s, I believe. Picture shows what appears to be an authentic JLMG receiver. . .has the block below the radiator sleeve for the bipod as well as the "ears" for the lmg rear sight. No "bump" for the rifle rear sight dove-tail. I really doubt that this is a factory prototype. The only lmg "looking" semi that may have been produced is the M1948 (I think that is the designation) which looked like the M1944 lmg but with a rotary mag and provision for the sword bayonet (attaching at the rear bottom of the radiator sleeve). Frankly, I doubt this was fabricated even in prototype form. Anyway, the photo shows what appears to be a very nice Johnson. Wonder if it will go for over $10,000. . .