The Controversy Surrounding Marina Oswald’s Testimony on the Backyard Rifle Photo

Over the years, the authenticity and context of the backyard rifle photo, showcasing Lee Harvey Oswald holding a rifle, have been a subject of much debate. Marina Oswald, the widow of Lee Harvey Oswald, has held firm to her original testimony that the photo was taken in their backyard in 1963. However, the authenticity of the photo remains a hot topic, with some suggesting it may be a fake.

Marina has consistently maintained her story, even going as far as claiming that she purposely destroyed several photographs of the backyard incident after Lee Oswald became a prime suspect in the JFK assassination. These prints were subsequently placed in June's baby book, and their destruction raises questions about the authenticity of the existing photos.

One of the key points of contention is the rifle depicted in the photo, which is listed as a 40 inch Carcano rifle in the National Archives. This rifle, coated in black, has similarities to the 40 inch Carcano rifle found in the Neely street backyard photos. Some argue that this discrepancy casts doubt on the authenticity of the photo.

Questions and Discrepancies

Marina’s later statement to the Warren Commission that the backyard photos are not the ones in question has added another layer of complexity to the debate. She claimed that Lee was standing in another part of the backyard garden. However, this does not definitively resolve the issue of the rifle's authenticity.

Another significant aspect is the discrepancy between the rifle that Lee allegedly sent a money order for and the rifle that was delivered. According to Aaron Paterson, Klein's did not stock the 36 inch Carcano that Lee supposedly ordered. Instead, they sent him a 38 inch Carcano, which is a different model and size altogether. This further complicates the debate and raises questions about the rifle in the backyard photo.

The Carcano Rifle and Its Variants

The Carcano rifle, designed by Salvatore Carcano, comes in various sizes and with different ammunition. The Japanese military originally had their Arisaka naval rifles manufactured in Italy until 1938 when they licensed the design for production in Japan. The Carcano rifle associated with the Texas School Book Depository and carried by Lieutenant JC Day was a 40 inch model, which is different from the 36 inch rifle that Lee allegedly sent a money order for. This adds another layer of complexity to the debate.

The alleged assassination Carcano stored in the National Archives is a 40 inch blackened Carcano rifle, which also contradicts the rifle in the backyard photo. This discrepancy is a significant point of contention and has fueled ongoing discussions and debates about the authenticity of the photo.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the backyard rifle photo remains unresolved. While Marina Oswald has not explicitly refuted her original testimony, the debates continue, fueled by discrepancies in the rifle's dimensions, sourcing, and the overall authenticity of the photo. As new evidence and perspectives emerge, the debate is likely to continue, keeping the topic relevant and contentious.