WWII IBM M1 M-1 .30 Cal. Carbine, Rare & All Matching, Semi Auto Rifle, MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,525
LSB#: 191024SN20
Make: IBM Corporation. International Business Machines Corporation
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3952966
Year of Manufacture: January – March, 1944 (page 29 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the rear is marked “I.B.M. CORP. / 3952966”. The barrel is marked “”I.B.M. CORP.”. There is no barrel date which is correct for a 1944 IBM M1. IBM barrels were dated to 12-43 (page 51 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “BE-B” which is an IBM mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “AMB” which is an IBM mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “EPB” which is an IBM mark (page 100-101). The push button safety is marked “EPB” which is an IBM mark (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “P” and “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65-66). The bolt is marked “AOB” on the right lug which is an IBM mark (page 36). The top of the bolt is marked “X” and the left lug is marked “2”. These are production marks. The recoil plate is marked “PR-B” under the wood, which is an IBM mark (page 135). The right side of the front sight is marked “PO B” which is an IBM mark (page 56-57). The Type II rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which was used by IBM and 3 other manufacturers (page 29). The Type II barrel band is marked “/” which is an IBM mark (page 59). The interior of the handguard is double stamped “LW-B” which is an IBM mark (page 138). The left side of the buttstock is marked with an Ordnance Department “crossed cannons” cartouche. Its size and position are consistent with an IBM stock (page 122). The sling well is marked “JLB” which is an IBM mark (page 108-109).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable Type II aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and metal butt plate. The buttplate shows scrapes & dings along the edge. The wood shows several scrapes & scratches; most are small. A few of these marks are deep and have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is crisp. There is light erosion in the grooves at the muzzle. The bore has an M.E. of 1.3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The right side of the receiver and the top of the op rod each show thinning consistent with cycling. The top rear of the receiver shows a few small scratches. The remaining metal shows some light scrapes & handling marks. The screw heads show some use. Most of the markings are deep. The heel of the receiver has markings that are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is no magazine.
Our Assessment: This Rare “all matching” IBM M1 Carbine was made in early 1944. The rifle is in nice shape for a WWII M1. It has a ton of Nice IBM markings on the receiver, barrel, stock, and small parts. Collectors prefer IBM M1 Carbines over more common M1 Carbines. This one is ideal for a collector as it has all IBM part codes.