WWII Inland Division General Motors M1A1 Carbine Paratrooper 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,705.00
WOA#: WY240406WM022
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine
Serial Number: 5343185
Year of Manufacture: Receiver between January and August 1944. Barrel Date 5-1944
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. 5343185”.
The magazine release is marked “M” w/ “AD”.
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O.” for International Register CO.
The oiler is marked “I-I” for International Silver CO. correct for Inland Div.
The right side of the trigger group is marked with “INLAND”
The left side of the hammer is marked dot “H.I.” for Hemphill MFG CO. correct for Inland.
The slide is marked “D7161843” Correct for inland.
The Bottom of the barrel on the flat is stamped with a series of letters and numbers, The top of the barrel is marked “P” about 2.” in front of the gas block, and again about 6” back from the front sight. The end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 5-44”
The front sight is marked “S.A.” for Springfield Armory
The barrel band is marked “KI” for Keeler Brass Co. Correct for Inland.
The upper handguard is marked with a “W”
The Inside of the stock is marked “IO” for Inland Overton, The right side of the grip has an Ordnance wheel, The bottom of the grip is marked “RI/3”, The metal buttplate is marked “B257614”, the pie emblem, and “4” all of these markings are correct for an M1A1 Stock.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock appears to be a real M1A1 paratrooper low wood stock with a four rivet handguard, “Slim Jim” style pistol grip, folding stock with leather cheek piece, parkerized steel rivets, checkered cast butt plate, type two barrel band, and a cross bolt safety. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood on the stock appears to have been sanded and re-oiled, it still has some minor compressions, including the characteristic one where the butt plate hits the receiver when folded, but no cracks or chips. The upper handguard has only two small chips, one on each side of the rear corners. The stock fold easily, the leather and rivets have some marks but no real damage. The checkering on the buttplate is sharp and there are some very small patches of surface rust forming in the checkering. Overall the stock rates in about Excellent condition as refinished for C&R.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: NONE.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, and Blued.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrel shows some wear at the muzzle, and a few small rub marks on the exposed portion of the barrel. The bolt and receiver show wear on the friction surfaces and the bolt has lost the majority of its finish. The rest of the rifle shows surprisingly little wear. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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: This carbine includes a green canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The Inland Division M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine is a variant of the iconic M1 Carbine, specifically designed for airborne troops during World War II. Manufactured by the Inland Division of General Motors, this carbine is distinguished by its folding metal stock, which made it more compact and easier for paratroopers to carry during jumps. Chambered in .30 Carbine, the M1A1 was lighter and shorter than the standard M1 Garand rifle, offering easier handling and maneuverability in close quarters. The M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine featured a distinctive wire-frame folding stock with a leather cheek pad, allowing it to be easily stowed in a parachute rig or carried more comfortably when on the move. In terms of function, the M1A1 retained the same action as the standard M1 Carbine, operating via a short-stroke gas piston system. The effective range of the .30 Carbine round was around 300 yards, making it suitable for the close- to mid-range engagements often encountered by paratroopers. Today, the Inland Division M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine is highly sought after by collectors and military history enthusiasts. Its unique design, historical importance, and association with the brave airborne troops of World War II add to its allure. This example appears to be in remarkable shape and carries almost all the correct markings. Please see our high quality photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
