WWII Early Production Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine MFD 1943
SOLD FOR: $1,228.00
WOA#: WY240406WM010
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 292307
Year of Manufacture: After February in 1943
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 292307”.
The magazine release is unmarked.
The rear sight is marked “S”.
The Lug is marked “DI”
The stock is marked “IO” in the sling cut, and the nose, it has the “P” acceptance mark, a large ordnance wheel, and “ANITA” carved into the side.
The right side of the trigger group is marked with the Inland Logo.
The left side of the hammer is marked “IH”
The slide is unmarked
The Bottom of the barrel is stamped with a series of proofs, The top of the barrel is marked “P” about mid length, the end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 2-43”
The front sight is stamped with an “N”.
The upper handguard is stamped “IO” on the inside.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with no protective ears. The rear sight is the early style L type aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, High wood, stock, with a type one two rivet handguard, type one barrel band, a cross bolt safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood furniture shows scratches, compressions, and a few surface chips scattered throughout along with the carving of “ANITA”. There are no cracks in the wood. The metal butt plate has semi dulled checkering and moderate finish loss that has begun to patina. Overall the stock rates in about Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion however there are three concentric bands of pitting in the bore about 5” in from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces show patina scattered throughout. The friction surfaces on the receiver and bolt show wear. The trigger guard has turned brown with patina as well. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good+ condition for C&R.
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: None.
Our Assessment: During the early stages of World War II, the U.S. military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy and cumbersome M1 Garand rifle and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact and easy-to-handle firearm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size rifle. In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester and General Motors’ Inland Division, to develop and produce the M1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful M1 Garand and the short-recoil action of the M1 Thompson submachine gun. The M1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 ammunition used in the M1 Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements. The M1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II, becoming a staple firearm for American troops. It was praised for its reliability, ease of use, and versatility. The rifle was not only issued to U.S. forces but also provided to allied nations through various lend-lease programs. After World War II, the M1 Carbine continued to serve in the Korean War and saw limited use in subsequent conflicts. It also became popular among civilian shooters and collectors due to its historical significance and manageable recoil. Overall, the M1 Carbine played a significant role in U.S. military history, offering a lightweight and reliable firearm that filled a niche between pistols and full-size rifles. Its compact design, firepower, and ease of use made it a favored weapon among soldiers in various roles and contributed to its enduring legacy. This example was manufactured early and is considered a first production block rifle for Inland Division with correct parts for that block. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
