WWII Underwood M1 Carbine Matching US United Shoe .30 Semi Auto Rifle C&R

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Sold for $2625.00

LSB#: 220722RW001

Make: Underwood Corporation. The receiver was subcontracted by the United Shoe Machinery Company.

Model: M1 Carbine. This rifle uses all Underwood factory parts. We do not know if the rifle was issued in this manner or later assembled to use all Underwood factory parts.

Serial Number: 2578180. This serial number is in a block assigned to United Shoe Machinery Company (page 32 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).

Year of Manufacture: March to April, 1944 (page 31 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). Barrel Date: October, 1943

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 2578180 / S” on the rear. The “S” is a United Shoe Machinery Company subcontractor mark (page 19 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 10 – 43 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The rear interior of the mag well is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 88 & 89). The magazine release is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with Underwood and others (pages 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “circled O.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “.U.” under the left lug which is an Underwood 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 “M-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 108-109). The bottom of the grip is marked with a circled “P” proof. The right side of the stock is marked with a “boxed” Underwood Elliot Fisher stamping containing “G.H.D / UEF” and a “crossed cannons” cartouche. The rear of the magazine is marked “UU” 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.

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 wood shows several scrapes and scratches. Many of the marks are small or light. 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 Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The muzzle is gray due to refinishing. It was not covered properly when the rifle was refinished. The grooves are semi bright and rifling is deep. There is erosion at the muzzle. There is fouling and light erosion in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.5.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scuffs and light handling marks. The receiver shows a scrape below the left side of the rear sight. The left side of the barrel has some surface erosion bleeding through the new finish causing discoloration from oxidation. The receiver and bolt show light operational wear. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine 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: Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle has a canvas sling attached. The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. The magazine shows light surface erosion. It appears to function correctly.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.

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 “Matching” Underwood M1 Carbine was built back in 1944. The receiver was subcontracted by the United Shoe Machinery Company and is marked with a scarce “S” stamping below the serial number. The metal has been refinished so the rifle looks good. It will add nicely to your WWII or M1 Carbine collection.

NOTE: This rifle uses all Underwood factory parts. We do not know if the rifle was issued in this manner or later assembled to use all Underwood factory parts.