Underwood M1 Carbine, Non-Import, Parkerized 18” WWII Semi Automatic Military Rifle, MFD 1944 C&R
Sold For: $1,306.00
LSB#: 170215JS12
Make: Underwood Typewriter Company
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 6108129
Year of Manufacture: March – April, 1944 (page 31 & 32 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide); Barrel Date 2 – 44
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 6108129 / (faded) flaming bomb” on the rear. The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2 – 44 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The rear of the magazine well (inside) is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The bottom of the trigger guard is marked with a “flaming bomb”. The hammer is marked “O.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “AU” which is an Underwood mark (page 100). The plain push button safety is unmarked which was used for Underwood and others (pages 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “.O..U. in a circle” which is an Underwood mark (page 65); the underside is stamped “N”. The bolt is marked “W” on the right lug which is a Winchester mark (page 36). The top of the recoil plate is marked “STANDARD / PRODUCTS” which is a Standard Products mark (page 135). The front sight is marked “E U” was used by Underwood and a couple other manufacturers (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left, all Type I sights are marked this way (page 27). The Type I A barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Underwood and others (page 59). The sling well is marked “S J” which is a Standard Products mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “RSG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 138). The right side of the stock is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is Type I, flip up dual aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The edge of the buttplate shows small scrapes & discoloration. The wood shows various scrapes, small scratches & handling marks. Most of the marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original. Refinished Small Parts
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.75.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. Some small parts have been refinished. The right side of the receiver shows light thinning from the action being cycled. The trigger guard shows light scrapes & some discoloration. The receiver shows light scrapes. The front of the barrel & front sight shows small scratches & discoloration. The metal shows various light handling marks. The barrel band screw head shows light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Underwood M1 Carbine has been rebuilt using Underwood & USGI parts. The barrel is an Underwood barrel with a bright bore. The markings on the metal are in great shape and there are clear markings on the wood including a “crossed cannons” cartouche. The rifle is not matching but the clear markings add to its historical value.
Here is some Underwood info from http://m1family.com/topic14.html. The Underwood Typewriter Company was a manufacturer of typewriters headquartered in New York City, New York. Underwood produced what is considered the first widely successful, modern typewriter. By 1939, Underwood had produced five million machines. During WWII Underwood produced M1 carbines for the war effort.
