WWII Inland Division General Motors M1A1 Carbine Paratrooper 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,828.00
LSB#: WY241226RG001
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine
Serial Number: 5275259
Year of Manufacture: Receiver Early 1944. Barrel Date 5-1944
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. 5275259”.
The Bottom of the barrel on the flat is stamped with a series of letters and numbers, The top of the barrel is marked “P” about 5” back from the front sight. The end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 5-44”
The front sight is stamped with “N”-International Business Machine part
The barrel band is marked “PI” for Inland modified front band without the bayonet lug.
The slide is marked “7160091 A”.- a Winchester Slide
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O. 7160060”-for International Register CO.
The bolt is unmarked.
The trigger group is marked “INLAND”.
The magazine release is marked “M” and “EI” for Eaton Pond Co. correct for Inland
The crossbolt safety is unmarked.
The left side of the hammer is marked “H.I.” for Hemphill MFG CO. correct for Inland.
The oiler is marked “I-I” for International Silver CO. correct for Inland Div.
The upper handguard is stamped “H.I.” for Hillerich & Bradsbury makers of the Louisville Slugger baseball bats. Correct for Inland.
The Inside of the stock is marked “IO” for Inland Overton, The left side of the pistol grip is marked with a circle “P”, the left flank with a “3”, and behind the 3 the stock has a very faint “RIA” Rock Island arsenal rebuild stamp in the correct location. The stock has the correct steel rivets for the time period. The metal buttplate is marked “B257614”, the pie emblem, and “7” all of these markings are correct for an M1A1 Stock.
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 appears to be a real M1A1 paratrooper low wood stock with a four rivet handguard, “Slim Jim” style pistol grip, folding stock with leather cheek piece, parkerized steel rivets, checkered cast butt plate, type two barrel band, and a cross bolt safety. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood on the stock appears to have been sanded and refinished. The wood shows compressions, lines, scrapes, and scratches. The stock has the mark from the stock being folded and a mark from the sling. The right rear edge of the wood and the left rear edge have cracks forming from the metal going forward. The upper portion of the wire has cracked in two. The leather has degraded and worn off the top of the wire. All of the metal on the stock has turned brown from age and patina. Overall the stock is in Poor+ to Fair condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine marked “IU”. The magazine is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
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 8.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The barrel shows the majority of the finish loss, along with the front sight and the friction surfaces of the bolt and the receiver. The metal surfaces of the trigger guard have turned brown with age. The markings range from very faint to very clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Good to 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: This carbine includes a green canvas sling and the magazine.
Our Assessment: The Inland Division M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine is a variant of the iconic M1 Carbine, specifically designed for airborne troops during World War II. Manufactured by the Inland Division of General Motors, this carbine is distinguished by its folding metal stock, which made it more compact and easier for paratroopers to carry during jumps. Chambered in .30 Carbine, the M1A1 was lighter and shorter than the standard M1 Garand rifle, offering easier handling and maneuverability in close quarters. The M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine featured a distinctive wire-frame folding stock with a leather cheek pad, allowing it to be easily stowed in a parachute rig or carried more comfortably when on the move. In terms of function, the M1A1 retained the same action as the standard M1 Carbine, operating via a short-stroke gas piston system. The effective range of the .30 Carbine round was around 300 yards, making it suitable for the close- to mid-range engagements often encountered by paratroopers. Today, the Inland Division M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine is highly sought after by collectors and military history enthusiasts. Its unique design, historical importance, and association with the brave airborne troops of World War II add to its allure. This example bears the marks and scars of its long life. It is very unfortunate to see the top wire part of the stock broken but in the hand of the right welder this should be able to be repaired. The serial range is correct, the markings on the stock are correct and in this writer’s opinion I see no reason not to believe this is a real M1A1 paratrooper. Please see our high quality photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
