WWII International Business Machine Co. IBM M1 Carbine MFD 1943-44 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,026.00
LSB#: LSB251216DH189
Make: International Business Machine Corp., IBM
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3940983
Year of Manufacture: August 1943-May 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 / I.B.M. CORP. / 3940983”
The front sight is marked “PO-B” IBM
The barrel is marked “I.B.M. CORP.” and a “P”
The Slide is marked “PI” for Packard Inland, and “R”
The rear sight was marked “I.R.CO. 7160060” International register CO.
The trigger group is marked “BE-B” IBM
The magazine release is marked “M”, “WA”
The hammer is marked “WM” IBM
The cross bolt safety is marked “SW” Sargent & CO.
The Stock is marked in the sling cut “SCB” Sprague & Carleton for IBM, There is also a “P” on the grip and an ordnance wheel on the right flank.
The upper handguard is marked “LW-B” Lumb Woodworking for IBM.
The magazine is marked “SY-B” IBM
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 is an Oval cut, low wood, type 2 barrel band, two rivet upper handguard, with a crossbolt safety and a checkered metal butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stock has been sanded and refinished. The wood shows scattered lines, compressions, divots and scratches, as well as the sanding marks. There are no cracks. There are small chips missing from some of the edges. The metal butt plate has been refinished and shows rub wear and pitting under the refinish. The checkering is defined. Overall the stock set is in about Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Includes one IBM 15 round magazine in Very Good condition showing a few small patches of surface rust freckling in the bluing.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, with defined rifling. There is no visible pitting in the bore. There are visible lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is rub wear on the friction surfaces of the receiver, bolt and slide. The trigger group and receiver have turned green / brown with age and patina. The edges of the wings on the front sight show finish loss. There are the usual scattered marks and lines. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear except for those noted above. Overall this rifle is in about Good-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: Includes the magazine.
Our Assessment: This M1 Carbine was manufactured by International Business Machines between August 1943 and May 1944, during the company’s wartime transition from office equipment to military arms production. IBM was a relatively late entrant into the M1 Carbine program but produced high-quality rifles with a strong emphasis on in-house and correctly subcontracted components. This example is particularly desirable, retaining an IBM barrel along with matching IBM-marked front sight, trigger group, hammer, and magazine.
The rifle is stocked in a correct stock produced by Sprague and Carleton, paired with a handguard made by Lumb Woodworking Company, both proper subcontractors for IBM carbines. Finding an example with this level of correct and matching IBM components is increasingly difficult, as most carbines were rebuilt and mixed during postwar service. This rifle stands out as a preserved and largely correct example from one of the more unique and collectible M1 Carbine manufacturers. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.