WWII Inland Division General Motors M1 Carbine w/ Bayonet Low Serial # C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,126.00

LSB#: WY241122AS067

Make: Inland Division of General Motors, BLUE SKY import.

Model:  M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 611526

Year of Manufacture: Mid 1943 barrel date is 6-43

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 / INLAND DIV. 611526”

The barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS 6-43”. Mid barrel there is a “P”. The barrel flat is marked “BI”: This barrel is produced by BROWN-LIPE-CHAPLIN division of G.M.C.. During 1943 B.I. produced 90,000 extra barrels for use on carbines. These barrels are considered to be the finest of the “FREE ISSUE” barrels sent out to prime contractors that did not produce their own barrels. The barrel flat also shows some of the Inland hieroglyphics.

The left side of the barrel is marked with “SKY / ARLINGTON, VA”. There is a known issue with Blue Sky imported guns in that sometimes they stamped the import mark so deep it took the barrel out of round. Before firing this rifle please have it evaluated by a competent gunsmith.

The Gas Block is marked “BI” for BROWN-LIPE-CHAPLIN division of G.M.C.

The front sight is marked “EU”-for Prestole Div. Detroit Harvester.

The barrel band is unmarked

The rear sight is marked with a faint Shield “H” -Hemphill MFG. Co.

The slide is unmarked

The trigger group is marked “INLAND”

The magazine release is marked “M” and “W.I.”. for Wadsworth Watch Case CO.

 The rotary safety is marked “N.” a rebuild added part.

The hammer is marked “H.I.” for Hemphill MFG CO.

The sear is unmarked.

The stock is marked on the inside right edge with “SA” a Springfield Armory replacement stock.

The upper handguard is unmarked

The bayonet is marked “USM4 UTICA” with the Flaming bomb.

The Bayonet scabbard is marked “U.S. M8A1 B:M. CO.” This scabbard does not have a metal tip or an eyelet.  This scabbard is correct for the WWII era

The magazine is marked “IS” for International Silver Co.

The recoil lug 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 serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, a rotary style flip safety and a checkered metal buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock has been sanded and refinished. The stock shows lines, compressions, marks, and rub marks. The most notable of which are on the pistol grip, and belly. The stock just next to the recoil lug has several very small chips. There are no visible cracks.

The upper handguard shows similar wear and finish condition to the stock. One of the rivet holes has had a chip repaired. There are no visible cracks. The stock also has a dab of paint on it. The metal buttplate retains most of its finish and shows some rubs marks from use and some browning from age. The screw heads are slightly tool marked but still have sharp slots. Overall the stock is in about Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Good condition. The finish shows rust freckling in the blueing, but the spring is strong and the feed lips are good.

Type of Finish: Parkerized and Blued

Finish Originality: Original and refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is defined. There is some minor pitting on the lands in the bore. There is a known issue with Blue Sky imported guns in that sometimes they stamped the import mark so deep it took the barrel out of round. Before firing this rifle please have it evaluated by a competent gunsmith. To check for this we pull a bore brush through the barrel. Towards the end of the barrel there is a small area that feels different than the rest of the barrel. In this writer’s opinion if the bore is in round the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains 95% of its metal finish. The bolt shows finish loss on the friction surfaces as does the receiver. The trigger guard and receiver have some brown patina. The barrel has some lines and nicks with thinning finish on the leading edges. Overall this rifle is in Good condition assuming the bore is in round.

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. The receiver has worn down on the bolt catch so the bolt no longer stays open when you try to latch it.  Due to the barrel condition I would recommend not firing this rifle until it is evaluated by a competent gunsmith.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes the M4 bayonet and sheath also the 15 round magazine.

Our Assessment: The Inland Division M1 Carbine is a historically significant firearm produced during World War II by the Inland Division of General Motors. This particular example, manufactured in mid-1943, represents a key period in the carbine’s wartime production. It is one of the millions of M1 Carbines produced to provide U.S. troops with a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle for use in a wide range of combat scenarios. This example was later imported back to the U.S. by Blue Sky, an importer known for reintroducing surplus military arms into the civilian market during the late 20th century. The carbine is equipped with a Brown-Lipe-Chaplin barrel, a component that occasionally appeared in Inland production and contributes to its historical character.

This M1 Carbine features parts that are mostly correct for an Inland-manufactured rifle, underscoring its collector appeal. While Inland was the largest producer of M1 Carbines, maintaining a high degree of originality in surplus firearms can be rare, as many carbines were rebuilt or refurbished during and after the war. The rifle’s history of military service is complemented by the inclusion of an M4 bayonet manufactured by Utica Cutlery. This bayonet, featuring a blade optimized for close combat, would have been an essential accessory for soldiers relying on the carbine in diverse combat environments.

The carbine’s overall configuration makes it a compelling piece for collectors and enthusiasts. Its mid-war production date places it during a critical phase of WWII, when Inland’s output played a vital role in meeting the demands of the Allied war effort. The Blue Sky import mark indicates it likely saw service overseas before its re-importation, adding to its historical journey. Combined with the original barrel, Inland parts, and Utica-made M4 bayonet, this firearm stands as a testament to both its wartime production and later use, bridging the gap between historical artifact and functional military arm. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.