WWII Inland Division M1A1 Paratrooper M1 Carbine 30 Cal Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,025.01
LSB#: LSB250512SG086
Make: Inland Division of General Motors
Model: M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine
Serial Number: 2924102
Year of Manufacture: Receiver 1943, Barrel date 10-1943.
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 / INLAND DIV. 2924102”.
The bottom of the barrel on the flat is stamped with the typical Inland Hieroglyphic series of letters and numbers, The top of the barrel is marked “P” about 5.25” back from the front sight and a second just in front of the gas block. The end of the barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 10-43”. The top of the chamber has a small flaming bomb stamp.
The front sight is stamped with a sideways “N” correct for Inland.
The barrel band is marked “KI” for Keeler Brass Co.
The slide is marked with a “PI” in a circle on the inside. For Packard Inland.
The rear sight is marked “PI” Packard Inland
The bolt is unmarked.
The trigger group is marked “INLAND”.
The magazine release is marked “M”
The Rotary safety is marked “CM” a post war rebuild part.
The hammer is marked “H.I.” for Hemphill MFG CO.
The oiler is marked “SI” for International Silver Co.
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 11” for Inland Overton, The front of the pistol grip is marked with a “P”, the bottom of the pistol grip is marked “RI” for Richardson, correct for Inland. The right side of the grip has an ordnance wheel The stock has the correct rivets for the time period. The metal buttplate is marked “B257614”, the pie emblem, and “11” all of these markings are correct for an M1A1 Stock.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. This rifle also includes a later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated windage knob.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a real M1A1 paratrooper stock with a folding wire frame stock, leather cheekpiece, pistol grip, type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, and rotary safety. The length of pull is 13” from the trigger to the buttplate. The upper handguard shows only minor handling wear with no visible chips or cracks. The stock shows handling wear scattered throughout with the characteristic rub mark from the buttplate. The stock has two cracks forming from the rear lug one on either flank of the stock with a chip out of the rear of the right side where it meets the lug. The stock folds correctly although it is a little loose when extended and the spring on the buttplate functions although it is a little sticky. The rear rivet has come loose from the panel so the panel now pops off the wire. Overall the stock is in Fair condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized / Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright, with defined rifling. The bore shows lines and marks from use. There is about a one inch section of moderate pitting in one of the grooves towards the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish has turned brown / green with oil and age. The action and round bolt show wear on the friction surfaces from use. The muzzle and sight wings show some slight finish loss as well. The charging handle shows pitting. The markings are mostly clear and the screw heads are sharp with some slight marks. Overall this rifle is in Fair 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: None.
Our Assessment: This Inland Division M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine with both barrel and receiver dated 1943 is a historically significant variant of the M1 Carbine, developed specifically for use by U.S. Airborne forces during World War II. Inland, a division of General Motors, was the sole producer of the M1A1 model, which featured a folding wire stock designed to make the rifle compact and easier to carry during airborne operations. These carbines were issued to paratroopers in units like the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, who needed lightweight, maneuverable weapons that could be carried during jumps and used effectively in close-quarters combat.
The M1A1 retained the same semi-automatic action and .30 Carbine chambering as the standard M1, but with several modifications tailored for airborne use. Most notably, the metal side-folding stock with a leather cheek rest allowed the weapon to be stored more compactly in a jump bag or carried across the chest. Inland’s production run of the M1A1 was relatively limited, approximately 140,000 units, making original examples especially prized today. A 10-43 dated Inland example would have been produced right in the middle of peak wartime manufacturing and likely saw issue during major campaigns such as Normandy, Market Garden, or the Battle of the Bulge. Lightweight, fast-handling, and innovative for its time, the M1A1 paratrooper carbine became an icon of the American airborne soldier. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
