WWII Underwood M1 Carbine M-1 .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1080.99
LSB#: 220111EI008
Make: Underwood Corporation
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2586751
Year of Manufacture: March to April, 1944 (page 31 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide. Barrel Date: December, 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
There is NO Magazine.
Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “BLUE SKY/ARLINGTON, VA.”. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 2586751 / flaming bomb” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 12 – 43 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The right rear of the trigger is marked “Q-NL” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “LT-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark also used by Rock-Ola (page 89). The magazine release is marked “W-I” which is an Inland mark (page 98 & 100). The rotary safety is marked “circled S” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 95 & 185). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “SG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “OI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “EU” which was used by Underwood mark and Quality Hardware (page 56).The Type II rear sight has lost its marking to refinishing (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “JI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The underside of the handguard is unmarked which is consistent with a post WWII rebuild (page 138). The sling well is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 108-109). The bottom of the grip and right side of the butt are marked “140”. The bottom of the grip also has paint markings on it.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear sight is a Type II adjustable aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes, thinning and surface erosion. The grip & butt show deep scratches and sanding marks. The right side of the butt shows a small filled surface repair. The wood shows numerous other scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed portions of the surface wood. The bottom of the grip shows a hairline surface crack at the trigger guard. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.8.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The rear of the receiver has surface erosion showing through the new finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and thinning on the leading edges of the metal. The right side of the receiver and bolt show thinning consistent with cycling. Most of the markings are clear; the barrel markings are defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
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:The rifle comes with a Dual Mag Pouch and 5 Magazines. The dual mag pouch markings include “US” on the flap and “TWEEDIE FOOTWEAR CORPORATION” on the interior. It shows light discoloration and soiling. It is in Very Good Plus condition.
The two unmarked 30 round magazines and the loose 15 round magazine each show scrapes & small scratches. They are in Very Good condition. The two 15 round magazines still in long term storage paper show oil residue and are in Excellent condition. All three 15 round magazines are marked “IS” which is a Standard Products mark.
A shell deflector is included in the auction. The deflector was most likely used by a left handed shooter. It is secured by compression around the rear sight base. It is easily removed. It shows scrapes, thinning and light surface erosion. It is in Good condition. The rifle has a green nylon sling attached. It shows areas of discoloration & soiling as well as scrapes on the metal. It is in Very Good Plus condition. The rifle comes with a cardboard shipping box provided by the importer. It is marked “BLUE SKY PRODUCTIONS. INC. / ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22209”. It shows soiling, creasing and small tears. It is in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
The Underwood Typewriter Company was a manufacturer of typewriters headquartered in New York City, New York. By 1939, Underwood had produced five million machines. In 1927 the company was reorganized into Underwood-Elliott-Fisher, which later became the Underwood Corporation. During WWII Underwood was one of the many companies who helped with the war effort. They produced about 8.9% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines.
This Underwood M1 Carbine was built back in 1944. After WWII it served in a U.S. friendly country. It was eventually imported back into the U.S. for sales to the civilian market and is marked accordingly on the barrel. It is in Very Good condition and should be a blast out at the range. Good luck.