Winchester Repeating Arms M1 Carbine .30 Cal Low Serial Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,061.01
WOA#: WY2400601RN009
Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1077194
Year of Manufacture: Early 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER TRADEMARK / 1077194”
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”. The flat has a Firing proof punch.
The barrel is marked with a “PW” Mandatory Winchester firing proof about 6” back from the front sight. 3.5” back is stamped “W”. The right side of the gas block is stamped with a Flaming bomb ordnance inspection mark. The barrel flat is marked “W”.
The barrel band is marked “KI” Keeler Brass Co.
The front sight is “NI” for Niedner Rifle Co.
The rear sight is marked “PI” for Packard Inland.
The magazine release button is marked “TSG” for Saginaw Gear
The hammer is marked “GMB” for IBM
The bottom of the trigger guard is marked “J”. The trigger group is marked “W” for Winchester
The Safety is unmarked checkered early style crossbolt with straight edge Likely Winchester.
The slide is marked “7160091”.- a Winchester Slide.
The magazine is marked “WB” an IBM magazine.
The Stock is stamped with an Ordnance Wheel and a “W.R.A. / G.H.D.” for Winchester Guy H. Drewry. The bottom of the Pommel is marked “33” and a circle “P”. The left side of the stock has the “FAT” stamp reading star “FAT / 71”. Which are typically found in Italian imports through the CMP. There also appears to be a faint “AF” above the rear side of the trigger guard.
The lug is marked “W” for Winchester.
The upper handguard is marked “W” for Winchester
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 serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock on this rifle is an I cut, low wood stock with a two rivet handguard, a type three barrel band with bayonet lug, and a cross bolt safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The wood shows marks, scrapes, lines, and compressions scattered throughout. There are chips in the “I” cut and the nose. There are no visible cracks although there is a scratch next to the lug that looks like a crack. The metal buttplate has lost most of its finish, the top has turned brown with patina and has begun to develop surface rust. There is also a very small piece missing from a knot in the right side of the comb. Overall the wood is in Good to Very Good condition for C&R considering the age.
Type of Finish: Parkerized and blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is visible. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The metal surfaces show marks from wear and use. The metal has also turned brown / green from patina oil and age. There is minimal friction wear on the bolt and receiver. There is rust freckling present on the barrel and bayonet lug. The checkering in the safety shows rust freckling as well. The markings are mostly clear, the screw heads a slightly tool marked but serviceable. Overall the rifle is in Fine to Very Fine 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 one 15 round Magazine with a slight dent in the left side. The magazine is in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Winchester M1 Carbine is a notable example of the rich and varied history of these iconic World War II firearms. Produced in 1943 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, this carbine was part of the extensive manufacturing effort that saw multiple American companies come together to meet the demand for reliable, lightweight rifles during the war. Winchester was one of the original ten prime contractors responsible for producing the M1 Carbine, and their rifles are highly regarded among collectors for their quality and historical significance. One of the distinctive features of this carbine is the “FAT” stock marking, which stands for “Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni,” an Italian armory. This marking indicates that the carbine was refurbished or inspected by the Italian military, likely during the post-war period when the United States provided surplus weapons to its NATO allies, including Italy. The FAT marking suggests that this rifle was part of a group of M1 Carbines that were loaned to Italy under the Military Assistance Program (MAP). This Winchester M1 Carbine was most likely re-imported by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). This adds another layer to its story. The CMP is a federally chartered program that promotes firearms safety training and marksmanship, and it has been responsible for distributing surplus military rifles, including M1 Carbines, to U.S. citizens. Many of the carbines re-imported by the CMP come with a rich service history, having been used by various allied forces before being returned to the United States. In summary, this Winchester M1 Carbine from 1943 is a remarkable artifact, emblematic of the widespread use and enduring legacy of the M1 Carbine beyond the Second World War. It tells a story not just of American production, but also of international military cooperation and the preservation of historical firearms through the efforts of programs like the CMP. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
