US WWII Underwood M-1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-Auto Rifle 1943 C&R Vintage Rare
SOLD FOR: $1,025
WOA#: WY240318CV009
Make: Underwood
Model: M-1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1422775
Year of Manufacture: The serial number on the receiver dates to ca. May 1943. The barrel is dated May 1943.
Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1 / UNDERWOOD / 1422775”, along with a “flaming bomb” acceptance stamp of the Ordnance Department.
The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 5-43”, along with a defaced “flaming bomb” stamp, and “P”.
The right side of the rear sight is marked “I.R.CO.”.
The left side of the hammer is marked “IN”.
The right side of the trigger assembly is marked with an Inland stamp.
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a sliding adjustable aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a walnut Type III oval cut low-wood with a semi-pistol grip, sling well, Type III upper handguard, Type III barrel band/bayonet lug, and checkered metal buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished. There is pitting under the new parkerized finish on the buttplate.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This carbine includes two original US WW2 blued 15 round magazines in Excellent condition. One is marked “UI”, denoting manufacture by the Inland Division of General Motors, and the other is marked “RUGG”, denoting manufacture by Rugg Manufacturing Company.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 7.5/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the US used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The US military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This carbine retains about 99% of its refinish. The balance of the finish shows little wear past being refinished. The screw heads show light use but are sharp. The markings are mostly clear. There are patches of erosion and pitting that have been parkerized over on the barrel, charging handle, slide, and receiver. Overall, this carbine rates in about Fine Condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this carbine. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This carbine comes with its oiler, sling, muzzle cover, cleaning rod case, two mags, Ordnance Field Service Manual, Department of the Army Technical Manual, and wooden crate.
Our Assessment: Early in WW2, the US military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy M-1 Garand and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911A1 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact, easy-to-handle shoulder arm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size battle rifle. In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester, Underwood Elliot-Fisher, and General Motors’ Inland Division, to develop and produce the M-1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David “Carbine” Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful Garand and the short-recoil action of the Thompson Submachine Gun. The M-1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 round used in the Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements. The M-1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II in the hands of US infantry, paratroopers, Marines, and support personnel, and was loved by the troops for its ease of use, compact design, and reliability. Underwood produced 545,616 M-1 Carbines in total during the war, equivalent to about 8.9% of total production. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding! -L.S.
