Early M1 Bolt (Photos Added !!!)

[RDS]

How early is this bolt. Its is marked as follows upside down R23 top rear, D space 28287 below that D 1 note no -, front of right lug upside down 26

[Jersey Devil]

How early is this bolt. Its is marked as follows upside down R23 top rear, D space 28287 below that D 1 note no -, front of right lug upside down 26

Hi RDS,
Welcome to the forum!!
That sure sounds like a super early bolt to me. Maybe 1937 / 1938ish or so!
Any chance of a photo or two?
Cheers from NJ!
--Brian

[jnw847]

According to Billy Pyle's book The Gas Trap Garand rifle s/n 7114 has a bolt with that part number and heat lot. That rifle was manufactured in January 1939. I'm not sure of the meaning of the R23 and the 26.

[RDS]

Sorry I have yet to learn how to post photos. My best guess on the R23 is the steel lot R being for Republic steel. I could be wrong on that.

[jnw847]

I should add that bolts with the part number D 28287 were used from 1937 to early 1939.

[RCS]

there are two different methods used in machining these early bolts - I have sent photos of these to Brian to post

[Jersey Devil]

there are two different methods used in machining these early bolts - I have sent photos of these to Brian to post

Robert,
Sorry it too me all day to get these posted, but here they are!

----Brian

[Jersey Devil]

These are photos that the OP (RDS) sent me to post here for him.

My apologies it took me nearly two days to get them up.

Neat bolt for sure.....looking forward to learning about it.

[Jersey Devil]

.....................and more!!!