Scott Duff: Garand Memories

The Second Garand Memories Auction is now Closed. Thanks for Participating!
Click HERE for

JOHN CANTIUS GARAND

INTENT: It is the intent of this auction to offer to the M1 Rifle collector and historian one-of-a-kind articles that were the personal property of Mr. John C. Garand, inventor of the U.S. Rifle, Cal. .30, M1. The auction is being run in the most cost effective and efficient way possible to optimize its financial benefit to the Garand family. Some items are of more historical value than others, but all items offered are guaranteed to have been owned by Mr. Garand!

Over 200 items will be available. Each item will be listed separately so that all collectors may be able to afford to bid on something. We will hold several small auctions rather than one large one. Approximately 25 to 50 items will be offered in each auction. This will allow unsuccessful bidders in one auction to adjust and hopefully succeed in the next.

We have all had a lot of fun collecting Mr. Garand’s rifle. Now due to the kindness of the Garand family, we each have an opportunity to place an article into our collection that has the “human touch” of our favorite rifle’s inventor, Mr. John C. Garand.

NOTE: We will be offering numerous items autographed by John C. Garand in this and subsequent auctions. Throughout the course of Mr. Garand’s life it is very apparent that two very distinct autographs existed. The signature from when Mr. Garand was a young man, through his prime, and into his early retirement years reveals a very smooth flowing signature. As Mr. Garand reached advanced years it is obvious that his hand had began to tremor, as often happens with the elderly. The autograph from his later years is quite shaky and features none of the smoothness of the earlier years. Both signatures are his; both types will be offered.

B1. John Garand’s Springfield Armory employee photo security ID badge. The obverse is blue and features a black & white photograph of Mr. Garand, with “SPRINGFIELD” above the photo and “ARMORY” below, and a date of issue of August 30, 1950. The reverse is of pin back design and features Mr. Garand’s birth date (1 JAN 1888), Weight (157), color hair (Br-Gray), color eyes (Gray), Mr. Garand’s ink signature, and the signature of Charles L. Young (2^nd Lt., Ord. Corps Sec & Int. O.). The entire badge is sealed in heavy, stiff clear plastic. The overall size is 1-7/8” wide x 2-3/4” high. This is one of the finest, and certain to be one of the most sought after, of all items offered in any of these auctions. It is truly a one-of-a-kind item as it is the only known John C. Garand/Springfield Armory security badge in existence! – minimum bid is $1,000

B2. A 2-5/8” wide x 1-3/8” high brass name tag. Inserted into the obverse of the frame is card stock paper of 2-3/8” x 1” size with “JOHN C. GARAND” and “U. S. ARMORY” typed in black on two lines. The reverse is stamped “HUEPEL MFG. CO. INC./NEWARK, N.J.” with a soldered pin back. The era and usage of this pin is unknown, but possibly it was is "name badge" at an activity where he was representing Springfield Armory. – minimum bid is $50

B3. A heavy cast metal identification emblem that was attached to the front bumper (or license plate mounting) of Mr. Garand’s car and allowed him to be “waved through the gate” at the Armory. Overall size is 2-1/2” at the widest point x 5-3/4” high. The emblem is the Ordnance flaming bomb with “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY” embossed around the perimeter of the bomb. A 1-1/4” high X is embossed in the middle of the bomb. Directly below the word “ARMORY” is stamped the number “1.” Mr. Garand’s son told me this emblem was used during World War II and in recognition of his father’s contributions he was issued number “1.” The original attachment screw is included. This is another very desirable one-of-a-kind item. - minimum bid is $500

B4. A framed 9-1/4” x 11-3/4” photograph from the closing of Springfield Armory on April 30, 1968. Signed in black ink by John C. Garand and numerous other Armory employees. A very unique item from a very sad day. – minimum bid of $100

B5. The Holley Medal (approximately 2-1/1 inches in diameter) awarded to John C. Garand by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 1941 for the invention and development of the semi-automatic rifle. Sale includes the bronze medal, with case, certificate, and with gold embossed leather folder. The medal features the “Holley Medal” on the obverse and the reverse is embossed with American Society of Mechanical Engineers around the circumference and embossed in the center is “Awarded to John C. Garand for the invention and development of the semi-automatic rifle which bears his name December 3, 1941.” The exterior of the case is gold embossed “John C. Garand” and the interior is of blue velvet. The certificate is 7-1/2” x 10” and contains the ASME seal. The certificate holder is of blue leather and gold embossed “John C. Garand.” The pre Pearl Harbor date contributes to the significance of this piece. This Medal was on display at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site Museum from 1994 through 1998. This is a very attractive set awarded by a highly respected professional organization. - minimum bid of $1,000

B6. A medal with case and framed special award presented to Mr. Garand on October 15, 1942 by the American Society for Metals at Cleveland, Ohio. This 15/16” x 1-1/2” medal features the ASM logo on the obverse. The reverse features an attached Army emblem and is engraved “Presented to John C. Garand by the members of the American Society for Metals October 1942.” The framed ASM “Special Award” is 12-1/4” x 15-1/2” and states that this award was presented to John C. Garand for his “contributions to our country in the development and perfection of the rifle which bears his name.” The award also carries the seal of the ASM and is dated 15 October 1942. This is a very nice set that would look great displayed in a gun room. - minimum bid of $750

B7. The John Scott Medal, case, and framed Certificate awarded to John C. Garand on September 17, 1943 by the City of Philadelphia. This large (and very heavy, weighing over 16 ounces!) Medal is 4 inches in diameter and 3/8” thick. The obverse features an embossed seal of the City of Philadelphia in the center and around the perimeter “Awarded by the City of Philadelphia.” On the reverse, embossed around the perimeter is “The John Scott Medal - To The Most Deserving.” Surrounded by a wreath, and engraved in the center is “John C. Garand for Invention of the U.S. Rifle Cal. .30 M1, September 17, 1942.” This Medal was on display at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site Museum from 1994 through 1998. The framed certificate is 18-3/4” x 14-3/4” in size. It states that The City of Philadelphia, Board of Directors of City Trusts has awarded The John Scott Medal and Premium to John C. Garand for Invention of the U.S. Rifle Cal. .30 M1 in Philadelphia on September 17, 1943 and is signed by two members of the Board of Directors of City Trusts and carries the seal of the City of Philadelphia. This is a very attractive set and most desirable, especially if you are a Garand collector from the metropolitan Philadelphia area! - minimum bid of $750

B8. The William Pynchon Medal with case. This Medal was awarded to Mr. Garand in 1942 by the Publicity Club of Springfield, Massachusetts. It is a bronze Medal of 2 inches in diameter. The obverse features the likeness of William Pynchon and the reverse is embossed with the Western Hemisphere superposed with the word “Truth.” At 6 o’clock “John C. Garand” is engraved on the reverse. This Medal was on display at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site Museum from 1994 through 1998. William Pynchon was born in Springfield, England in 1590 and was a prominent leader of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. While in America he founded the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. - minimum bid of $250

B9. This framed award (9-3/4” x 12-3/4” in size) was presented to Mr. Garand in February 1940 by the National Association of Manufacturers. The Associations logo is in silver and is surrounded by a wreath. Beneath this is stated “Awarded to John C. Garand - A Modern Pioneer on the Frontier of American Industry in recognition of distinguished achievement in the field of science and invention which has advanced the American standard of living.” The award is signed by the Chairman, Committee on Modern Pioneer Awards. - minimum bid of $250

B10. This framed (11-3/4” x 9-1/4”) Life Membership certificate in the Army Emergency Relief certifies Mr. John C. Garand as a Life Member effective June 3, 1942 and is signed by the Executive Director. - minimum bid of $100

B11. This unframed (9-3/4” x 7-1/2”) Lord & Taylor Annual American Design Award was presented to John C. Garand for the year 1942 for distinguished designing in the field of Ordnance. - minimum bid of $50

B12. This framed Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is of 16-3/4” x 13-3/4” in size. Mr. Garand was conferred this honorary degree on June 20, 1949 in recognition of his “distinguished attainments.” Included are two 8-1/2” x 11” sheets of paper, both are Citations presented by Lehigh University. The first Citation provides a series of accolades and accomplishments. The second Citation confers the Honorary Degree upon Mr. Garand. This degree must have been especially significant for him, as he left school with less than four years of formal education! It is opinion my opinion that this is one of the better pieces being offered. - minimum bid of $1000

B13. Plaque and program from the Inventors Club of America, 4^th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner and Dance to Honor John C. Garand (posthumously), December 1, 1978, Springfield, Mass. This 6” x 9” wooden plaque features crossed rifles and engraved brass plate that reads “Inventors Club of America, Hall of Fame, John C. Garand, Inventor of the M-1 Rifle.” An original program from the event is included. - minimum bid of $100

B14. The original Official Statement naming a Connecticut Turnpike bridge over the Quinebaug River near Jewett City (Mr. Garand’s former home) The John C. Garand Bridge; signed by Abraham Ribicoff, Governor of the State of Connecticut, October 19, 1958. Also included is an original Dedication Ceremonies Program. - minimum bid of $50

B15. A signed copy of an original Dedication Ceremonies Program naming a Connecticut Turnpike bridge over the Quinebaug River near Jewett City (Mr. Garand’s former home) The John C. Garand Bridge. This autograph is obviously from Mr. Garand’s later years as it is quite shaky and therefore postdates the 1958 event. - minimum bid of $100

B16. A large (12” x 15”) and very heavy (5-1/2 lbs.) wooden and brass plaque awarded to Mr. Garand (posthumously) by the Department of Massachusetts American Legion “in recognition of the contribution to the United States by John C. Garand inventor of the Garand Rifle.” This award was presented to Mrs. Nellie Garand in her husband’s memory on May 11, 1974. - minimum bid of $100

B17. A large framed black ink drawing (16-3/4” x 16-3/4") depicting cascading Gas Trap M1 rifles. The origin, era, and artist are unknown. However, this does appear to be an older piece of perhaps early World War II era. But this is only speculation. The type 1 Gas Trap gas cylinders and straight ear front sights are clearly visible. This would look great hanging with an M1 rifle collection. Mr. Garand thought highly enough of it to frame it and hang it in his office in Building 28! A truly beautiful piece. - minimum bid of $250

B18. A Brooks cribbage Board (13-1/2" by 3-3/16") with the signature of John C. Garand on the back as well as the date of 1970. Mr. Garand enjoyed playing various games throughout his entire life. Cribbage, domino, checkers, and croquet were among his favorites. - minimum bid of $150

B19. A Winchester A5 scope and rings owned by Mr. Garand. This is one of the few firearms related items offered. Features a cross hair reticle, optics are good, overall condition is good with some minor rusting on the outside body of the scope. - minimum bid of $250

B20. An original signed copy of the program from John C. Garand’s Testimonial Dinner & Dance on the honor of his retirement from Springfield Armory on April 30, 1953. Of 5-1/4” x 8” in size, cover plus four pages. Includes photograph of Mr. Garand, dinner menu, list of speakers and invited guests, and list of committee members. This is the only autographed copy of his retirement program available. A very desirable and striking piece of John C. Garand memorabilia. – minimum bid of $250

B21. An autographed and dated Inspection Manual for Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911A1, Supplement to Ordnance Department General Inspection manual, Springfield Armory, Mass., March 1939. This manual is 6” x 9”, 41 pages and in very good overall condition. Mr. Garand’s signature is on the title page in ink as well as the date of “5-5-39.” A great item for the collector of the M1 rifle and M1911A1 pistol. - minimum bid of $150

B22. A hardbound catalog of Machinery and Tools, Catalog No. 142, Brown & Sharp Mfg. Co., Providence, R.I., U.S.A. dated 1941 with J.C. Garand embossed in gold on the front cover. A pocket on the inside front cover includes several lose brochures on various machines and tools. This book is of 4-3/4” x 6-3/4” in size and 640 pages in very good overall condition. This is a very nice item that would obviously have been very useful to Mr. Garand, especially during the early World War II years. - minimum bid of $150

B23. John C. Garand’s last Massachusetts photo driver’s license, which was to expire on 01-01-75 (Mr. Garand passed away in February 1974). The license contains a color photograph and is, of course, signed “John C. Garand.” A truly one-of-a-kind item. - minimum bid of $150

B24. John Cantius Garand’s Social security card, which is, of course, signed “John C. Garand.” The autograph is in a smooth flowing hand of Mr. Garand in his prime. Date of issue is unknown. Another truly one-of-a-kind item type. - minimum bid of $150

B25. John Cantius Garand’s Selective Service Registration card dated April 26, 1942, signed “John C. Garand.” This is a most interesting and unique document from the World War II years. A 50-year-old man whose work was critical to winning the war still had to register for the draft! - minimum bid of $250

B26. An autographed membership card to the National Association of Retired Civil Employees with an expiration date of September 1971. The reverse is printed with Mr. Garand’s name and address. The card is of 2-1/4” x 3-5/8” in size on white and orange heavy stock. - minimum bid of $100

B27. An autographed membership card to the National Association of Retired Federal Employees with an expiration date of September 1974. The obverse is printed with Mr. Garand’s name and address. The card is of 2-3/8” x 3-13/16” in size on white heavy stock paper and printed in blue ink. - minimum bid of $100

B28. An autographed membership card to the Rotary Club of Springfield, MA with an expiration date of June 30, 1972. The card has the name of “John C. Garand” and “Honorary” member typed on the obverse. It is of 2-1/8” x 3-9/16” in size on heavy stock paper. A small lapel pin is included. - minimum bid of $100

B29. An unsigned membership card to the Rotary Club of Springfield, MA with an expiration date of June 30, 1969. The card has the name of “John C. Garand” and “Honorary” member typed on the obverse. It is of 2-1/8” x 3-9/16” in size on heavy stock paper. - minimum bid of $25

B30. An autographed membership card to the Automobile Club of Springfield (AAA). Printed “John C. Garand” on the front and signed on the reverse. Also noted “member since 1963” and “renewal date of April 1972.” Folded in half to 2-1/4” x 3-5/8” size on light yellow heavy card stock paper. - minimum bid of $100

B31. An unsigned membership card to the Springfield Revolver Club located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The name “John C. Garand” is typed on the obverse and the card expires November 1, 1971. It is of 2-1/4” x 3-7/8” in size on light green heavy card stock paper. This is one of a very few items relating Mr. Garand to firearms. - minimum bid of $50

B32. An unsigned membership card to the Springfield Revolver Club located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The name “John C. Garand” is typed on the obverse and the card expires November 1, 1972. It is of 2-1/4” x 3-7/8” in size on white heavy card stock paper. This is one of a very few items relating Mr. Garand to firearms. - minimum bid of $50

B33. An autographed membership card to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Mr. Garand’s name and address are typed on the obverse as is an expiration date of October 1975. The card is signed “John C. Garand.” It is of 2-3/8” x 3-1/2” in size on light green heavy card stock on green ink. - minimum bid of $100

B34. A set of three items: a Blood Donor Certificate card issued to Mr. Garand by The American Red Cross, a lapel pin with case, and a photograph of Mr. Garand donating blood during World War II. The card is 2-5/8” x 3-5/8” and that certifies “John C. Garand is a voluntary blood donor of the American Red Cross Blood Donor Service” dated January 20, 1943. The brass lapel pin is 9/16” in diameter and is in its original case. The black & white 7” x 10” photograph of Mr. Garand donating blood during the War (1943) was used for publicity purposes during blood drives. This is a nice set that shows the dedication to the War effort of all Americans. Even though Mr. Garand contributed greatly to the War through invention of his rifle, he continued to give, as other citizens did, through blood donation and, I am certain, in many other ways. - minimum bid of $100

B35. An unsigned American Defense Preparedness Association membership card and lapel pin. This 2-5/8” x 3-3/4” card states: “This is to certify that John C. Garand is a Life Member of the Association.” The lapel pin is of brass and blue enamel. This undated item is of the World War II period. - minimum bid of $50

B36. Motorcycles were one of Mr. Garand’s early passions. He was very active in motorcycles and racing in the 1920s. This item is a business card from Charles E. Hatfield of Hadfield-Swenson Co., 21 Myrtle Street, New Britain, Connecticut. They were dealers in Indian Motorcycles. The reverse has a handwritten note that states “Friend John, thank you for the cam and puller. C.E.H 6293nd Avenue, Cousin of G. Anderson” This is a very unique item from a largely unknown period of Mr. Garand’s and would be a great item for the M1 rifle collecting motorcycle enthusiast! - minimum bid of $50

B37. A Christmas card from Gilbert and Elizabeth Stewart (GHS) to Mr. & Mrs. John Garand. The obverse of this postcard type Christmas card features a photograph of General & Mrs. Stewart. The reverse is handwritten “Best wishes for the coming year from Gilbert and Elizabeth Stewart, 1944.” It is hand addressed to “Mr. & Mrs. John Garand, The Armory, Springfield, Mass.” The postmark is from Boston Mass. And is dated December 17, 1944, 8-PM. The size is 5-3/8” x 3-1/2”, excellent condition. This is a very desirable item with provenance to two men well known to M1 rifle collectors: Mr. Garand and BGEN Gilbert H. Stewart. A truly unique offering. - minimum bid of $250

B38. Mr. Garand’s unsigned copy of the program from Brigadier General Gilbert H. Stewart’s retirement dinner on May 25, 1942. The program is 6” x 9” in size and consists of the front and back cover and eight pages. The cover includes a picture of Springfield Armory and states “Farewell Banquet in Honor of Brigadier General Gilbert H. Stewart, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, May 25, 1942.” Inside is a photograph of BGEN Stewart, his Record of Service, a photograph of Quarters One, two other photographs of the Armory, the dinner menu, listing of entertainment, list of Speakers and Invited Guests, Committee members, and “To Our General.” This is a very unique item with a provenance to Mr. Garand and BGEN Gilbert H. Stewart. - minimum bid of $100

B39. A portrait of John C. Garand. This black & white photograph is of 8” x 10” in size. This is Mr. Garand’s official retirement photograph A total of five (5) copies are offered in Auction #2. The five (5) highest bidders will each be considered the successful bidder and receive a copy. - minimum bid of $25

B40. An original copy of the program from John C. Garand’s Testimonial Dinner & Dance in honor of his retirement from Springfield Armory on April 30, 1953. Of 5-1/4” x 8” in size, cover plus four pages. Includes photograph of Mr. Garand, dinner menu, list of speakers and invited guests, and list of committee members. A total of five (5) copies are offered in Auction #2. The five (5) highest bidders will each be considered the successful bidder and receive a copy. A very desirable and striking piece of John C. Garand memorabilia. – minimum bid of $50

End of Auction #2

A Quiet Genius Who Gave
To His Adopted Country
"The Greatest Battle Implement Ever Devised"
The M1 Rifle

from the inscription
on the John C. Garand bust
at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site
Donated by the Membership of the
Garand Collectors Association
June 6, 1994