Underwood M1 Carbine .30 3 Mags Pouch Soft Case Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1675
LSB#: 210812TR02
Make: Underwood Corporation. The receiver was subcontracted by Winchester.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2485468
Year of Manufacture: March to April, 1944 (page 31 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide. Barrel Date: March, 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 2485468 / flaming bomb / W” on the rear. The “W” is stamped over the “flaming bomb”. This is a Winchester subcontractor mark (page 25 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The top of the barrel is marked (faded) “UNDERWOOD / 3 – 44 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “WI” which is an Inland mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “WA / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 100-101 & 184). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which was used by Underwood and others (pages 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “2” (production mark) and “OI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “N” which was used by other manufacturers (page 56). The Type II rear sight is marked “PI” which was used by Inland and Saginaw Gear (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “KI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “S-HB” which is a Standard Products mark (page 138). The sling well is marked “S-HB” which is a Standard Products mark (page 108-109). The right side of the buttstock is marked with a faded “crossed cannons” cartouche. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a faded Rock Island Arsenal Rebuild stamp “RIA / EB” in a “box” (page 181). The aftermarket magazines are unmarked. The reproduction magazine pouch is marked “U.S.” on the front and “JT &L / 1944” on the rear. The exterior of the new production canvas carrying case is marked “U.S.”. The interior is unmarked.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable Type III aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The wood shows several scrapes and scratches. Most of the marks are small or light. 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 Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright, and the rifling is sharp. The area near the muzzle is light grey. There is fouling and intermittent erosion near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The rear of the receiver has some pin prick surface erosion showing through the new finish. The metal shows scuffs, small scrapes, and a freckling of discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the receiver and bolt show some thinning consistent with cycling. The barrel markings are faded. The remaining markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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: The rifle comes with a new production canvas sling, reproduction dual mag pouch, new production canvas carrying case and 3 new production 10 round magazines. The sling and dual mag pouch show light marks and a few spots of light soiling. They are in about Fine overall condition. The carrying case shows light soiling and small spots of fraying. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. The 3 magazines show light handling marks and are in about Fine overall condition.
Our Assessment: This Underwood M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. The receiver was subcontracted by Winchester and is marked with a scarce “W” stamping below the serial number. After WWII the rifle was rebuilt. It is marked with a faded Rock Island Arsenal Rebuild stamp on the stock. The rifle was refinished during the rebuild so it looks pretty good for its age. The rifle comes with new production items that include 3 ten round magazines, a sling, dual mag pouch, and a canvas carrying case.