Underwood M1 Carbine Singer Manufacturing “B” Receiver 30Cal Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: WY250117DC033
Make: Underwood. The receiver was subcontracted by Singer Manufacturing Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2664178
Year of Manufacture: The receiver was made between March and April of 1944. The barrel date is 4-1944.
Caliber: .30 Cal carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2664178” with the SINGER circle “B” on the bevel.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” about 3.5” back from the front sight. The front of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD 4-44” with the flaming bomb.
The front sight is marked “EU”-for Prestole Div. Detroit Harvester correct for Underwood.
The barrel band is marked “JM” a post war rebuild part.
The slide is marked “D-7161843 SG” a Saginaw Gear part.
The bolt is marked “-U-” for Underwood.
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O.”-for International Register CO.
The Trigger group is marked “BE-B”. An IBM trigger group.
The magazine catch is marked “M” and “SI”
The hammer is marked “B/R” Jasper Blackburn Co.
The sear is unmarked
The rotary safety is marked “JAO” for J.A. Otterbein
The magazine is marked “MN”
The oiler is marked “II” for International Silver Co.
The Stock is marked “IO” in the sling cut for Inland Overton. The right flank of the stock is marked with an Ordnance wheel.
The lug is marked “RIA” for Rock Island a post war rebuilt part.
The lug screw is marked with an “X”.
The upper handguard is unmarked.
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 on this rifle is an Oval cut, low wood stock with a four rivet handguard, a type 3 barrel band with a bayonet lug and a later style rotary safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. This stock has been lightly sanded and refinished as a result it shows very few marks and lines. There are still some minor lines and compressions. There is a small crack forming from the recoil lug. There are also chips missing from around the oval cut, the bottom of the recoil lug, and around the barrel band retention clip. The upper handguard shows only minor handling wear. The metal buttplate has been refinished and shows only minor handling wear. Overall the furniture on this rifle is in Very Good + to Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine. The magazine is in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized / Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright, with defined rifling and no visible erosion. The bore shows lines and marks from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The front sight shows finish loss on the edges and on the wings. The blade in the front sight has been painted white. The receiver and Trigger group have been refinished. The bolt shows almost no wear on the friction surfaces. The receiver has some minor rub wear on the friction surfaces. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Excellent 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 includes the attached sling and the magazine.
Our Assessment: This Underwood Elliott-Fisher M1 Carbine, produced in early 1944, is a remarkable example of this historic World War II firearm. Underwood was one of ten primary contractors chosen to manufacture the M1 Carbine, a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle designed by Winchester to offer greater firepower than a pistol while remaining more maneuverable than the M1 Garand. Issued widely to U.S. forces, including paratroopers, officers, and support troops, the M1 Carbine became an essential weapon in both the European and Pacific theaters. Underwood produced approximately 545,000 carbines, making it a significant contributor to the war effort, though still far behind Inland and Winchester, which manufactured millions.
This particular example features a Singer Manufacturing Company produced receiver paired with a 4-44 dated Underwood barrel, an uncommon and highly collectible combination. Singer, best known for sewing machines, was contracted to produce only 25,000 receivers for Underwood, making them a rare find among surviving carbines. While Underwood manufactured many of its own components, subcontractors like Singer played a critical role in meeting wartime production demands. Singer had previous experience in firearms production, having briefly manufactured a small number of 1911A1 pistols before shifting to carbine parts. The presence of a Singer-made receiver on an Underwood carbine adds historical significance, as it reflects the vast industrial collaboration required to keep American troops supplied with reliable weapons.
Underwood’s transition from typewriters to firearms production is a testament to the adaptability of American industry during World War II. Like many civilian manufacturers, Underwood rapidly converted its facilities to produce essential wartime equipment. The M1 Carbine remained in service through Korea and Vietnam, proving to be one of the most versatile small arms of its time. Today, an Underwood M1 Carbine with a Singer receiver is a highly sought after collector’s item, offering a unique connection to the companies and industries that played a crucial role in arming U.S. forces during the war. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
