WWII Inland Div US M1 Carbine M-1 U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1355.99
LSB#: 220224JS006
Make: Inland Division of General Motors.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 5536745
Year of Manufacture: October to December, 1944 (page 28 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
Barrel Date: September, 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” on the front and “INLAND DIV. / 5536745” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFD. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 9 – 44” and “P”. The right rear of the trigger group is marked with a faded “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition); the bottom is marked 3. The hammer is marked with a partial “WA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 89 & 185). The magazine release is marked “M / WA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 100-101& 185). The rotary safety is marked “circled S” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95 & 185). The inside of the operating slide is marked “UN” which is a National Postal Meter (NPM) mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “AI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “R” which is an Inland mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “I.R.CO.” which was used by Inland and Winchester (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “SI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The interior of the handguard is unmarked which is consistent with a post WWII rebuild (page 138 & 185). The left side of the buttstock is marked with a “boxed” 1975 dated Italian Terni Arsenal Rebuild stamp “star FAT / 75” (Fabbrica d’Armi Terni). The sling well is marked with a small “boxed” Terni Arsenal stamp “star / FAT”. The top of the grip is marked “BO” in ink.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type III adjustable aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scratches, small dents and cleaned surface erosion. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged small areas of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The muzzle area is light grey. The remaining lands are bright and the remaining grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is erosion near the muzzle. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and light discoloration. The left side of the receiver shows some thinning at the wood line. The exposed portion of the barrel shows light surface erosion. The receiver and bolt show light operational wear. Most of the markings are well defined. A few of the small markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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 an aftermarket 5 round magazine. Please see photos as to the condition of the items listed.
Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
The Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors was organized in 1922 for the manufacturing of steering wheels. During WWII Inland Division was one of many facilities that tooled up to manufacture M1 Carbines for the war effort. Inland produced the majority of WWII M1 Carbines, about 43%, and contributed greatly to the war effort. Inland M1 Carbines were used by millions of soldiers during WWII in numerous battles. If you see WWII footage that includes an M1 Carbine, it is most likely an Inland M1 Carbine.
This Inland M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It has since been rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts and an Italian stock. The rifle still retains its original “INLAND MFD. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS marked barrel. We do not know if the rifle served in Italy after WWII or if the stock is a replacement. Either way, the large Italian cartouche is deeply struck and adds to the rifle’s story. Good luck.