Underwood M1 Carbine .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1350
LSB#: 210925MZ55
Make: Underwood
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 6100868
Year of Manufacture: March to April, 1944 (page 31-32 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide. Barrel Date: August, 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 / 6100868 / flaming bomb” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 8 – 43 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The interior of the trigger group’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 “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 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 “.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 “EU” 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 marked “U” which was used by Inland and National Postal Meter (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 138). The sling well is marked with inspection stamps including “6”, “4”, “A”, and “8 in a box”. There is no manufacturer’s destination. This appears to be a replacement stock (page 108-109 & 185). The bottom of the grip is marked “32”. The rear of the magazine is marked “SW” which is a Winchester mark (page 142-143).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two 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 a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes and areas of surface erosion. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled. 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. The receiver has been refinished with gun paint.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The barrel has been counterbored to about 1 inch back from the muzzle. The lands are semi bright, the grooves are dark, and the rifling is deep. There is erosion present; mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish as refinished. Surface erosion shows through the new finish on the barrel & receiver. The magazine release shows a spot of surface erosion. The barrel shows scrapes, light thinning, and discoloration (at the front). The right side of the receiver shows thinning. Most of the markings are deep. The barrel markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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: The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. The magazine shows scrapes, scratches, thinning, and oxidation. It is in about Very Good condition.
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 Underwood M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It has been rebuilt but still retains many Underwood parts. The metal has been refinished and the wood has been oiled. This is a good looking M1 Carbine that will add to a collection and should be lots of fun at the range.