Underwood M1 Carbine .30 Semi Automatic Rifle Israeli Marked C&R

SOLD FOR: $1252

LSB#: 210324DL64

Make: Underwood Corporation

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 2458537

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

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 / 2458537 / W” on the rear. The “W” is a subcontractor mark (page 25 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). Our online research indicates this is a Universal Winding Company mark. The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 3 – 44 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “AM” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “CC / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark  (page 98-100 & 185). The rotary safety is marked “M insuiside a C” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 95 & 185). The inside of the operating slide is marked “S” which is a Standard Products mark (page 65). The bolt is marked with a production number “14” and “N” on the left lug which is a National Postal Meter mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “I.R.CO. / 7160060” which was used by IBM and used as a replacement during & after WWII (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “MMQ” on the band and “EM-Q” which are Quality Hardware marks (page 59). The underside of the handguard is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester and Irwin-Pedersen (page 138). The sling well is marked “JL B”” which is an IBM mark (page 108-109). The right side of the buttstock is marked with the serial number in large numbers. This is consistent with an Israeli issued, IDF marked M1 Carbine (page 193). It is also marked with a faded post WWII rebuild stamp from the Standard Products Corp. “STD / PROD / RWH” ( page 184). The top and right side of the grip are each stamped “50”. The rear of the sling well is stamped “70”. Both of the metal sling tabs are marked “MRT 8-62”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable Type III aperture assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through and metal buttplate. The buttplate shows small scratches, small dents and discoloration. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ? 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 the Standard Products Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp & deep. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.5.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. Light surface erosion shows through the new finish on the barrel. The top of the operating slide shows some thinning. The metal shows light scrapes, a few small scratches and light discoloration. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The catch for the slide lock plunger (top right of the receiver) has been drilled through to the recoil spring housing. The recoil spring is visible.
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.
The rifle comes with a green canvas sling. It shows scrapes & oxidation on the metal as well as light discoloration inthe canvas. Overall it is in about Very Good Plus condition.

Our Assessment: This Underwood M1 Carbine was madback in in 1944. It looks good, has a strong bright bore and has interesting markings that tell a story about the rifle. The receiver is marked with a “W” which is a scarce subcontractor mark. Luckily the “UNDERWOOD” receiver marking is not crossed out as is the case for many Underwood subcontractor receivers. The stock markings include a post WWII rebuild stamp from the Standard Products Corporation and a marking that is consistent with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). The stock is marked with the serial number in large numbers. This is consistent with an Israeli issued, IDF marked M1 Carbine. The rifle has no import mark but appears to have served in Israel after WWII.