Underwood M1 Carbine Rare Singer Receiver .30 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1325
LSB#: 210917MW87
Make: Underwood Corporation. The receiver was subcontracted by the Singer Manufacturing Company.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2629064
Year of Manufacture: March to April, 1944 (page 31 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide. Barrel Date: October, 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the bottom of the barrel is marked “ARL. ORD. ARLINGTON VA”. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 2629064 / flaming bomb / B” on the rear. The “B” is a Singer Mfg. Co. subcontractor mark (page 374 of Larry L. Ruth’s book, WAR BABY!). The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 10 – 43 / flaming bomb” and “P”. The rear of the magazine well is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “M” and “WI” which is an Inland mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which was used by Underwood and others (pages 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “.U.” under the left lug which is an Underwood mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “T R” which is an Underwood mark (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” which is consistent with Inland and others (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Underwood and others (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “M-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 138). The sling well is marked “P-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 108-109).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear sight is a flip up dual aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The buttplate shows light scrapes. The wood shows several scrapes and scratches that have been oiled over. Many of the marks have damaged small portions of the surface wood. 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 deep. The muzzle is grey. There is erosion at the muzzle and on the face of the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.6.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. The barrel shows spots of thinning and discoloration. The metal shows scrapes, a few small scratches, and thinning on the leading edges of the metal. The right side of the receiver shows some thinning consistent with cycling. The markings are deep. 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 canvas sling. It shows discoloration & soiling on the canvas as well as scrapes on the metal. Overall it is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This Underwood M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. The receiver is a rare “B” marked receiver that was subcontracted by the Singer Manufacturing Company. After WWII the rifle served in a U.S. friendly country and was eventually imported back into the U.S. for sales to the Civilian market. This M1 Carbine has been rebuilt so it looks good and still has nice markings. It will add to a Military or WWII collection.