First Year IBM M1 Carbine Bavarian Border Police .30 Cal 18” Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,600.00
LSB#: LSB250517CP003
Make: IBM Corp. (International Business Machines)
Model: U.S. M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3807209
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (First-Year Production)
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade protected by wings. The rear sight is a Type III adjustable aperture sight graduated, dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a walnut replacement with low wood configuration and oval oiler cut, typical of postwar refurbishment. The handguard is a four-rivet design, and the bottom of the receiver bears Bavarian police markings including “LGKNÖ 1609” (LandesGendarmerieKommando Niederösterreich) stamped in gold.. There are scattered handling marks, minor dings, and signs of honest service wear, but no cracks or structural concerns. The sling and oiler are present. Overall, the stock rates in about Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Includes two 15-round magazines, finish thinning from use, functions properly. One is marked “K.I.” and the other is marked “IS”.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its current finish. There is thinning on exposed surfaces, high edge wear on the bolt and barrel band. The markings remain crisp. The original IBM receiver is marked “IBM CORP.” with matching features throughout. The serial number is clearly marked on the receiver ring, and the Bavarian police designation “BAVARIAN RURAL POLICE” is stamped on the top of the receiver. The barrel and charging handle match the receiver. The overall condition rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt cycles smoothly, the safety and mag release operate as intended, and the trigger breaks cleanly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes one 15-round magazine, U.S. web sling, and oiler. No box or additional paperwork is included.
Our Assessment: This M1 Carbine is a fantastic and scarce variant from IBM’s 1943 production—its first year building carbines under U.S. Ordnance contract. IBM produced only 346,500 M1 Carbines, making their rifles among the rarest in the WWII carbine family. But what makes this example particularly compelling is its Cold War history: it was reissued postwar to the Bavarian Border Police in Germany during the Allied occupation.
Many surplus U.S. M1 Carbines were distributed to West German police and border security forces in the late 1940s and 1950s. This one is clearly marked “BAVARIAN RURAL POLICE” on the receiver, and also bears the “LGKNÖ” (Landesgendarmeriekommando Niederösterreich), the Austrian state police command. These markings add serious collector appeal and trace the rifle’s journey from WWII production lines to Cold War Europe.
This carbine is a strong representative of both wartime manufacture and postwar reallocation. It’s well-marked, in solid mechanical condition, and includes its police rack number and sling. Whether you’re a collector of U.S. martial arms, Cold War surplus, or IBM-specific firearms, this carbine hits the mark. It’s a working piece of 20th century history with tangible ties to both WWII and the early years of European reconstruction. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
