mc41

I been thinking back and again reviewing my 0067 41Johnson post. I failed to include that at the time of my ownership the rifles wood foregrip was a replacement. It displayed a noticeably dissimilar grain appearance and finish to that of the shoulder stock. I recall the butt end of the fore stock void of the standard 41Johnson numerals and or letters. If by chance any remaining 0067 memories take foot, I will assuredly add them to my post.

41 Johnson enthusiasts, I purchased the Johnson 0067 rifle in Indiana in June of 2008 and sold it I recall in December 2014 to a Las Vegas gun shop. Shortly after my purchase I met with Dr. Alpert at which time he was genuinely interested in seeing the rifle. Upon my arrival Dr. Alpert brought out a WW2 era Army blanket. We then stepped outside onto the patio and laid the blanket out at which time he photographed 0067. Sometime later Joseph Scott borrowing one of Dr. Alpert's photos placed the image on his (Joseph's) business card. With the rifle resting on the blanket Dr. Alpert and I partially disassembled it analyzing its condition. Naturally the presumed matching serial numbers were of most interest. Our conclusion and made in good light was that the bolt and the other serial numbered parts viewed had been polished then restamped. I recall the numerals used in the restamping displayed a slightly altered appearance to that of the standard 41Johnson. The font size was slightly smaller along with other minor discrepancies. At that time and in addition to the 0067 serial numbers problem was the rifles incorrect barrel. It was not a 41Johnson barrel. I recall it displaying a 41 stamp but it did not exhibit the 41Johnson "Sword". The following November I brought 0067 to the Tulsa show and knowing Joseph Scott met with him and asked for his opinion. His thoughts as mine were that the 0067 stamped serial number located on the receiver looked authentic the other numbers and barrel not so. Concerning the barrel besides it not displaying the "Sword" Joseph found dispute with its rifling. The barrel had a six groove rifling rather than the standard four groove. Smith Corona Arms employed a six groove rifling. The little capitol P located left of the 0067 serial number was present when I purchased the 41Johnson. For all those interested in 0067 this is what I can share.

As a furniture conservator I have experienced great results using Titebond brand wood glue products. The three I am going to list are all water based which naturally means easy clean up. In addition, depending on which product,the glues offer a 15 to 45 minute window in which the excess may be removed. A soft cotton cloth dipped in warm water followed by a dry cotton cloth works well at removing any drips or runs. Titebond original wood glue performs well for general repairs. Titebond liquid hide glue is an excellent choice where adhesive reverseability or authentic period hide glue restoration is required. Applications needing a waterproof adhesive would do well using Titebond #3. All three of these suggestions do require proper surface mating followed by correctly applied preasure, preferably clamping. In my repair studio I have occasionally found super glues and epoxies to be helpful. Yet,when those applications come in contact with bare wood or adjacent wood finishes the result is usually damage. When attempting a stained or dyed wood color bare wood quickly becomes sealed thus leaving a "ghost" remnant of that former drip or run. Furthermore,typically the harsh solvents required to soften and hopefuly remove superglues and epoxies may disfigure any surrounding original finishes turning a restoration effort into a total refinishing. This is why I have found that generally these previously mentioned water based glues are superior. Marc

Regarding the Johnson stock problem I believe I may be of help. For the past forty years my profession has been that of owning and opperating an antique furniture and object conservation studio. I have worked with every major museum in central Indiana, in which I reside. In addition matching missing parts and subsquent correct finishes is my authority. I too am a Johnson enthusiast and collector. If I may be of assistance or of any help please contact me Marc Crumpton at mcrumpton@sbcglobal.net

Responding to the debate as to when the laminated stocks were used. I own JSAR serial number 0067 of which Brian Alpert back in June 2008 inspected, disassembled and reassembled. Upon conclusion, Brian stated that he felt that he may of disassembled the rifle possibly for the first time and that the rifle was completely right. On the foregrip, Brian and I did in fact find the stamped letter and number. In addition, this very early production shoulder stock did posses dual laminated cheeks. Hope this helps, Marc Crumpton

JSAR Aficionados, Those who have examined rifle #0067 from mere enthusiast, to long and well respected expert, all agree that this is an important firearm. As acknowledged, information regarding the first one hundred Johnsons is limited. Simply, the log fails to identify all past numbers, and visual descriptions documenting those early production rifles does not exist. Therefore, the question being if this Johnson is a Presentation issue, is one certainly open to discussion. Employing research and analysis, how exciting it would be for all who treasure Johnsons to determine that in fact it truly is. Hence, another piece found to the already remarkable Johnson Automatic story.Yet, everyone who has seen #0067do agree it is in fact a superb and exceptional example. As to the firearms provenance, I shall in the near term,once again contact the previous owner and will attempt to glean any additional pertinent information. The arrival of this Johnson has sparked a debate which I welcome and support. Therefore, I encourage and will allow those qualified to examine the rifle for themselves. I live in Indianapolis, yet plan to attend the Ron Dixon Louisville, KY Gun Show this September 27th. That Saturday, with the assistance of Brian Alpert, the rifle will be available for those to inspect. I would entertain other possible arrangements. Respond via this message board site and I thank you for your continued interest. MC41

JSAR Aficionados

Regarding the presentation Johnson Automatic rifle and Johnsons being an icon of American firearm history, by simple good fortune,I'm honored to own this example. I wish to thank Brian Alpert for his past and current guidance in collecting and judging Johnsons. Also the previous owner, who was generous in sharing his family's history along with the rifle's provenience. As Brian Alpert had stated, he and I both felt that he was dissassembling the Johnson for the first time since it's manufacture. Therefore, we agreed that the rifle had never been shot. Rest assured that under my ownership, it will remain in it's current state of perfection.