High Standard MFG WW2 Factory Original .50 BMG M2HB Browning Machine Gun

High Standard, New Haven, CT 

.50 BMG M2HB Browning Machine Gun 

Serial #590790 

10/24/1942

This amazing .50 M2 was originally commissioned as part of a wartime production contract awarded to High Standard Manufacturing Corporation of New Haven, CT by the US Government as support for the war effort. Completed as part of Contract No. 478 ORD 1521, this heavy machine gun rolled off the assembly line on Oct. 24, 1942 in its original configuration as an Aircraft Basic .50 M2 and was sent to the front lines. 

Sometime later it was brought back in from the field for repair. Unfortunately, we’ll never know how this gun was damaged, but being installed on an aircraft during WWII one can only imagine. What we do know because of the proof marks left behind, (RA-P), is that this .50 was rebuilt into current M2 Heavy Barrel configuration by the US Ordinance Dept at the Raritan Arsenal in Edison, NJ in the late 1940’s before being returned to service. 

Not only is this .50 an absolutely amazing piece of history, it runs perfect and also includes every spare part and accessory imaginable. 3400 rounds or linked ammo (2400 API / 1000 Tracer) are also a part of this collection for years of enjoyment. Below are the Proofs showcased on this piece and the story each helps to tell. 

Proof Marks featured on this M2: 

1. The "P" Proof Mark 

The "P" (typically inside a circle or stamped individually) is the quintessential U.S. proof mark. It indicates the firearm successfully passed an overpressure firing test. 

2. The Ordnance Acceptance Stamp 

This is the official acceptance mark of the U.S. Ordnance Department, verifying the military accepted the weapon. It was typically applied under the supervision of a resident inspector. 

3. Inspector Initials (Cartouches) 

Along with the Ordnance Wheel, firearms featured a cartouche (often three letters) representing the initials of the specific military inspector who signed off on the weapon 

This "GHD" proof is the inspection and final acceptance stamp used during WWII. < GHD > for Guy H. Drewry, a U.S. Army Ordnance officer who rose to the rank of Brigadier General and headed the 

Springfield Ordnance District. As Chief of the Springfield Ordnance District, all weapons and firearms manufactured in his region were officially accepted into U.S. military service under his authority. The GHD cartouche was stamped onto military arms from May 1942 to 1945, replacing the earlier "WB" mark of Lt. Col. Waldemar Broberg. The Drewry mark is more commonly found on Colt 1911 pistols and Thompson Sub Machine guns of the same era. 

4. Raritan Arsenal – RA-P 

The former Raritan Arsenal, located on 3,200 acres in Edison and Woodbridge Townships, was a critical logistical hub during World War II. Acting as an "Arsenal for Democracy," the facility employed thousands of civilians and military personnel to store, handle, modify, and ship millions of tons of ordnance, vehicles, and military supplies to global theaters of war. Like many war-era hubs, it relied heavily on female workers ("Rosie the Riveters") to assemble munitions, pack supplies, and repair munitions. 

Spare/Extra Included Parts and Accessories 

Original USGI WWII M23 cradle with ammo can holder US Ordinance proof marked WWII M3 Tripod Original Pintle Original T&E (Tilt & Elevation) Device Extra barrel – new/unfired 2 Barrel Handles Flash Hider USGI all-weather cover USGI heavy canvas cover Complete Spare Bolt – Unfired New Barrel Extension New Buffer Complete Firing Pin Accelerator 2 Trigger Bars 2 New recoil rods 2 Headspace and Timing Gauge sets USGI Oiler 2 Broken Shell Extractors 

2400 Rounds of M9 linked API Ammo - 100 rd belts in USGI cans 1000 Rounds of M9 linked Tracer Ammo – 100 rd belts in USGI cans 2000+ extra M9 links WWII 10 Rd Linker WWII 1 Rd Hand Linker