Bob Lamoreaux

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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 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. . .

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!

Many, many thanks, John! This is info that I didn't have and am not sure that others have. When venturing from firearms into other industries, it is difficult to correlate the two without guessing. I have no idea of what a winder or rewinder looks like and it was extremely difficult for me to make even educated guesses as to what Universal Winding "normally" produced. I'm not sure anyone has yet determined what Revere made for the Johnson weapons. . . Bob Lamoreaux

NPC, as noted in the serial number/parts numbers post, stands for Netherlands Purchasing Commission. Prior to the passage of the Lend-Lease Act and prior to the U.S. entry into World War II, numerous countries sent agents to the United States to purchase both civilian goods and military goods from various manufacturers. These countries, including Britain, France, China, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the USSR, sent government officials to contract with these manufacturers, obtain appropriate export licenses, and -- in many instances -- set up shipping or export agencies. (The Netherlands set up the New Netherland Co., Inc., which acted as the "freight forwarding" agent -- contracting with shipping lines -- for goods purchased by the NPC. Interestingly, the USSR had a number of entities purchasing materiel in the U.S.: a purchasing commission, Carp Exports (an American citizen who was the brother-in-law of Molotov ran this company which ended its purchasing activities for the USSR by 1942 or '43), and, of course, Amtorg. Though these purchasing commissions remained active in the U.S. throughout the war, they usually conducted business through the Lend-Lease Administration or through the Foreign Economic Administration (not sure this is the correct name), an entity that was handling sales (generally) to South America. I know this is probably more info than ANYONE needs (or wants), but the supplying of munitions, arms, etc. to allied nations has often been ignored or forgotten by military historians. Bob L.

I'm not quite sure, from your description, as to what the mark looks like. Over the years, I've seen SOME JSAR parts marked with what looks like an askerist (spelling?) or like this: * Because the mark is not "uniformly" applied, I wonder if they might not reflect subcontractor marks being checked for interchangability. Sorry for the pure speculative offering, but I sort of doubt that they were JAMCO or Cranston Arms markings. Unfortunately, I was never able to determine what entity made what part. I know that Revere (makers of tableware) manufactured some parts and there were probably other subcontractors. I suspect that Cranston Arms was manufacturing parts made from forgings rather than those parts made by stamping (mag housings and internal mag parts, take-down pins, possibly trigger guards, and maybe the radiator sleeve -- not stamped but drilled). We all have to keep in mind that the JSAR was designed by production engineers with full interchangability of parts between the weapons. At the time, I believe that was not the norm for the firearms industry. Bob L.

I've been doing some research on firearms lubricants/preservatives and really tie my very tiny brain into knots trying to distinguish puffery from fact. While I've normally been using Rem Oil and Castrol GunLube without any problems, I decided to be "super-cautious" and try some of the "advanced" lube/preservatives. So far I've tried powdered molybdenum disulfice in a "carrier" (spray can). REALLY messy stuff, but very slick. Used it on a squeeky car door hinge and it worked instantly. But, as I said: MESSY. Have also tried EEZOX, which appears to have the best record for corrosion or rust prevention, at least according to a couple of tests shown on the 'Net. Dries nicely and will repel fingerprints. Don't know how it will work out in the long run. Use the EEZOX -- if you try it -- in a VERY WELL-VENTED area. Used it in my office and still have sort of a "high" from its fumes -- and that was 18-hours ago! Anyway, I wanted to pass this along because a clean, well-functioning, and corrosion resistant weapon -- whether used regularly or simply part of a collection -- is, I'm sure, important to readers of this forum. BTW -- this isn't an endorsement of the above products. I paid full price for them and am waiting to see if they work. I'm sure other readers will chime in on their favorite preservation/lubrication products and will follow that with interest.

In the AAC (American Armament Corp.) material that I've accumulated, there is no mention of cal. .30 tracer ammo being supplied to the Dutch. . .at least in the Netherlands East Indies. It IS possible, of course, as I believe the NPC was attempting to purchase M1919 Brownings (I believe for the tanks -- Marmon-Herringtons and possibly a few M-3 Stuarts) which would suggest one-in-five tracer loads (I think that is the correct ratio, even back then). Unfortunately, ammo was pretty scarce then, hence AAC contracting with Fabrique (?) Mexico -- the Mexican National Armory in or near Mexico City -- for both cal. .30 ammo and for barrels for the 7-mm Chilean contract for Johnson rifles. I never came across the barrel erosion story and tend to discount it if for no other reason that so few JSARs reached the NEI. Those "mint" JSARs that Interarms (then Interarmco) was selling in the late '50s/early '60s were probably from the Netherlands West Indies or the Dutch Navy. My guess is that they came from the NWI (Aruba, Curacao, etc) where they were probably used only for drill and training exercises. One other thought! I'm not sure ANY forces issued tracer ammo as a regular combat load for use in rifles during WWII. Belt-fed machine guns -- yes! Not sure about Automatic Rifles such as the BAR.

There is definite evidence of an attempt to sell JSARs to Norway prior to the German invasion. These attempts were undertaken by American Armament Corporation/Miranda Brothers, Inc. who were responsible for the sale to Chile as well as the purchase of cal. .30 FM (Mexican) ammo for the Netherlands East Indies sales contract. AAC's sales representatives, by the way, were (in part): Chile: F. Santa Cruz & Cia., Ltda., P.O. Box 1321, Santiago, Chile Spencer & Waters, Huerfanos 920, Santiago, Chile Norway: Istria, Inc. (Bernt Balchen), Oslo, Norway Unfortunately, I have no information regarding which firm is responsible for the sale to Chile, nor am I aware of any sales of Johnson weapons to Norway. I suspect that many of the NPC guns (transfered to NPC) were sent as samples to various AAC representatives and the NPC given credit for these guns. As my research continues, I may be able to add some additional detail to this and to either confirm or discredit the above speculation.

Can't tell for sure, but it looks like the JLMG is without bipod. Question then becomes: Was this shipped without bipod (USMC records indicate that there was a problem with bipod delivery being delayed) or was the bipod thrown away? If I recall correctly, BARs used in the South Pacific were also used without the bipod. Indeed, there is documentation of the Browning M1919 being used as a HAND-HELD weapon with a shortened belt (about 20 or 50 rounds, I believe), by troops under Krulak's command.

Unfortunately, it would probably be impossible to tell whether your JLMG was from the Winchester (Buffalo Bill Cody) Museum auction without having a copy of the auction catalog which I've been unable to find. A Class 3 dealer purchased a number of JLMGs in that auction, having once included these weapons in his catalog (R.J. Perry) but, again, I've been unable to locate his catalog with those listed. I'll try to dig around and see if I can identify the date your lmg was transfered from JAMCO to JA, but because the records are incomplete, I might not be able to do so. Obviously, if the weapon came from the Cody museum auction, it was never used by any military force (Dutch or US. . .or possibly French colonial). I strongly suspect that the piece did come from the Cody museum auction due to the red tag. Hope this helps!

Most of the contributors here know I'm a lawyer. As such, I'm probably more sensitive about giving out info than others. Tried to register on Auction Arms but refused to provide telephone numbers, year of birth, and income range. Year of birth could give rise to identity theft. I registered on another forum, giving my telephone number, and have been getting marketing telephone calls despite being on the "do not call" list. Frankly, my income range is not the business of anyone except perhaps the IRS. I did e-mail Auction Arms to express my displeasure at the amount of info they are requiring. Are they selling it? I realize this off-topic, but I wanted to "vent" to my friends here and also caution everyone regarding giving even innoculous info in registering for entry to websites. That info could be adverse to your financial health and your peace and quite (phone solicitors !

This might be one of two JSARs I sold to a dealer in NJ a few years ago. (Kaplan was his name, I think.) The buttstock was replaced (by me), and the sling added. Sling was dyed British something or other tan. If it is one of those two guns, it was in excellent condition. I put a bolt hold-open in both these rifles as they were lacking this device.