WWII Underwood M1 Carbine U.S. US M-1 .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1681
LSB#: 220218RW017
Make: Underwood Corporation
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1410836
Year of Manufacture: April to June, 1943 (page 31 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
Barrel Date: May, 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 1410836 / flaming bomb” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 5 – 43 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The right rear of the trigger is marked “BE-B” which was used by IBM and Standard Products (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “GM B” which is an IBM mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “PR-B” which is an IBM mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is marked “EP B” which is an IBM mark (pages 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “OI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left which is consistent with Underwood and others (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Underwood and others (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “P-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 138). The sling well is marked “P-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 108-109). The face of the grip is marked with a “P” proof and the base of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with an Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Augusta Arsenal “AAM”. The rear of the magazine is marked “LU” which is an Underwood mark (page 142-143).
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 I dual flip up aperture aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The buttplate shows small scrapes & scratches. There is a small gap at the rear of the trigger guard as well as an edge chip. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is sharp. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.8.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish.
The trigger group shows scrapes & thinning under the wood. The hammer shows surface erosion. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and thinning on the leading edges of the metal. The exposed portion of the barrel shows discoloration from both oxidation and oil. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: The rifle comes with a green canvas sling and a 15 round magazine. The magazine shows several small light scrapes & scratches. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
Please see photos as to the condition of the listed items.
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 194. After WWII it was Arsenal Rebuilt at the Augusta Arsenal and is marked accordingly on the stock. It is in Very Good condition and should be a blast out at the range. Good luck.