Early WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine .30 Cal M1A1 Original
SOLD FOR: $4025
WOA#: WY230405FT003
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1 with original M1A1 Paratrooper stock
Serial Number: 802382
Year of Manufacture: 1942-1943
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / INLAND DIV. 802382”. The barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS 8-43” with a “P” at the midlength. The inside of the buttplate is marked with appropriate original cast markings. The left side of the buttstock is marked “AAK”. The front sight is marked “N”. The front of the pistol grip is marked “P”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a Cross Cannon Ordnance mark. The right side of the barrel band is marked “U”. The top of the chamber is marked “6”. The right side of the receiver leg is marked with an INLAND manufacture stamp. The left side of the receiver is marked “SG”. The bottom of the barrel has several proof marks. The inside of the stock is marked “IO”. The inside of the stock in the barrel groove is marked with several proofs including a “C” “H” “II” and “7”. The cheek piece rivets are marked “7/4”. The sling ring is marked “IU”.
Barrel Length: 17.75″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is an early L-Type Flip peer sight with two elevation settings for 150 or 300 yards.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Second Variation (low wood) M1A1 stock for airborne units with wire buttstock, Type I Barrel Band with IA wide sling loop, and sling loop on the bottom of the grip. The inside of the stock is marked IO which correlates with an original 2nd variation M1A1 stock. The wire that makes up the buttstock measures .310-.320 which are correct dimensions for an original. The upper handguard is Type I with 2 rivets and deep wide sight groove. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine condition. There are some compression marks, scratches, and nicks throughout. Some of the compressions are primarily on the left side of the stock. There is a small fracture in the left handguard rivet. The stock folds correctly. Has its cleaning kit. The leather is pretty worn and the cleaning kit has some oxidation and light pitting. This is an Original WW2 M1A1 Carbine Stock.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One Type II 15rd .30 Carbine magazine marked “IS” which is a Standard Products designation in Very Good Condition. The leading edges are sharp and the spring is strong. There is some operation wear.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The bore rates in Excellent condition.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear across the bolt group surface and around the receiver including some scratches on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. There is oxidation and deep patina throughout. The most visible finish loss is on the muzzle. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the rifle’s overall 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: This rifle comes with a total of one magazine and comes neatly stored in an Atlas Awning 1943 M1A1 Paratrooper Jump Case in Very Good condition. There is some honest aging and staining but the canvas has tight stitching and no tears in the fabric. The snaps are crisp and the steel fitting has some scratches and scuffs.
Our Assessment: The M1A1 Carbine is a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle that was used by the US military during World War II and the Korean War. It was designed to replace the heavier and bulkier M1 Garand rifle in certain situations, such as for troops who required a smaller and lighter weapon, such as paratroopers, support personnel, and officers.
The M1A1 Carbine was first introduced in May of 1942 and quickly became a popular weapon among American troops. It was used extensively throughout World War II, particularly by airborne troops, and it saw action in every major theater of the war. After the war, the M1A1 remained in service with the US military during the Korean War, where it proved to be a reliable and effective weapon in jungle and mountain terrain.
This early Inland M1 is an excellent example of an Original WWII M1A1. It is extremely rare to find an original M1A1 stock and with all the markings, proofs, and correct dimensions as well as a few other details, it is safe to say that this stock is indeed original and not only is it original, it’s in near Excellent condition for a WW2 service rifle. The bore is bright and clean with sharp rifling. All in All, this rifle is almost too good to be true but it is true which makes it all the better. Add a beautiful, authentic, and historical rifle to that collection that is sure to make heads turn. Good Luck!