Underwood M1 Carbine Saginaw Gear & Inland Receiver .30 Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2000
LSB#: 210925MZ69
Make: Underwood. This receiver was initially produced by Saginaw Gear and provided to Inland. Inland then provided it to Underwood.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 745187. This is an Inland Serial Number.
Year of Manufacture: October, 1943 (page 28, 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: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “.U. / INLAND DIV. (crossed out) / 745187 / flaming bomb” on the rear. Underwood added the “.U.” stamping and crossed out the Inland marking (page 19 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The left side of the receiver is marked “SG” under the wood. This is a Saginaw Gear mark. 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). The hammer is marked “WU” 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 “RP” which is a Rock Ola 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 “RMC” which was used by Underwood and others (page 138). The sling well is marked “P-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 108-109). The left side of the grip is marked with an Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Ogden Arsenal “OG” (page 183). The right side of the butt is marked with a “rectangle” containing “G.H.D / U.E.F.” and a “crossed cannons” cartouche. This is an Underwood mark (page 124). The rear of the magazine is marked “BW” 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 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle is gray. The remaining lands are bright & the remaining grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is erosion near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish as refinished. The left side of the barrel has a small area of surface erosion showing through the finish. The metal shows scuffs and handling marks. Most of the markings are deep. Some of the markings on the top of the receiver and on the rear of the receiver are faded. 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: The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. The magazine shows scrapes and oil residue. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine 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 Rare Underwood M1 Carbine was made back in 1943. The receiver was initially made by Saginaw Gear for Inland. Saginaw Gear made Inland receivers in the 708000 to 800000 serial number range. After Inland received the receiver it was sent to Underwood and built into a full M1 Carbine. The left side of the receiver is marked “SG” (3/16 of an inch high) under the wood and uses a small rear locking tang. This is a Type B, Variation 2 Saginaw Gear receiver (page 344 of Larry Ruth’s book, WAR BABY!). The “INLAND DIV.” marking on the rear of the receiver was struck out by Underwood and the “.U.” marking was added by Underwood. This is a good looking Rare M1 Carbine that will add nicely to your collection. Good luck.