Underwood M1 Carbine .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1784
LSB#: 210703RS04
Make: Underwood Corporation
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2758692
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
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 2758692 / flaming bomb” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 12 – 43 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The interior of the trigger groups’s mag well is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “WU” which is an Underwood mark (page 89). The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” and “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 100 & 101). 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 “.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 “N” which was used by other manufacturers (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “J.A.O. / 7160060” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 29 & 185). The Type III barrel band is marked “D in a diamond” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “P-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 138). The top front edge of the forearm is marked “SA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 108-109 & 185). The right side of the buttstock is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche which has been restamped. We do not know if this mark was restamped during the Arsenal Rebuild. The left side of the butt is marked with a faded Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Anniston Arsenal “AN” (page 183). The USGI muzzle cover is marked “U.S.” on one side and “E.A. BROWN / MFG. CO. / 1944” on the other.
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, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through and metal buttplate. The oiler cutout has been slightly lengthened at the top & bottom. The wood shows numerous small scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These 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 Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright and the rifling is deep. The grooves near the muzzle are light grey. There is fouling and intermittent erosion in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of -1 (negative 1).
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. The left side of the receiver, under the wood, has pin prick surface erosion showing through the new finish. This area also shows scrapes, light thinning, and spots of discoloration from oxidation. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and light discoloration. The right side of the receiver shows light thinning consistent with cycling. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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: There is No magazine.
The rifle comes with an aftermarket green canvas sling. It shows light scapes on the metal. Overall it is in about Fine condition. The rifle comes with a USGI canvas muzzle cover that shows oxidation on the metal and fading on the canvas. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This Underwood M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. Ater WWII it was Arsenal Rebuilt at the Anniston Arsenal in Alabama. The rifle looks good, has a strong bore and has markings on the metal & wood that add to its history. This M1 Carbine will add to a collection and should be lots of fun at the range.