WWII International Business Machine Co. IBM M1 Carbine MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
WOA#: WY240406WM020
Make: International Business Machine Corp., IBM
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3947544
Year of Manufacture: March to 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. / 3947544”. There is also a firing proof punch mark.
The Trigger Group is marked with “BE-B”- an IBM Part
The magazine release is unmarked.
The rear sight is unmarked.
The barrel band is marked with an “/” a Rock-Ola Barrel Band.
The left side of the hammer is marked “WMB” an IBM Part
The barrel is marked with “P” about mid way on the top of the barrel. Just behind the front sight is marked “I.B.M. CORP.”.
The safety is marked “EPB” an IBM part.
The front sight is marked “SI B”. IBM made front sight correct for IBM.
The upper handguard is marked “LW-B” for Lumb Woodworking Co. correct for IBM.
The Stock is marked “JL-B” inside the sling cut for Jamestown Lounge Co. correct for IBM. The stock also has a small ordnance wheel on the right side and a small “P” stamp on the pommel.
The Lug is unmarked
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a simple fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is an early style “L” type flip aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, low wood, type 2 barrel band, two rivet upper handguard, with an early style cross bolt safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock appears to have been sanded, is very red in color, with minimal scuffs, scrapes, and compressions scattered throughout the wood. There are no cracks in the stock. There is a line chip out of the sling cut. The handguard shows almost no compressions or scratches with no chips or cracks. The metal buttplate has semi-dulled checkering and has lost its finish. Where the finish has worn off it has begun to patina and develop surface rust. Overall the Stock is in Fine Condition for C&R considering its age.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None
Type of Finish: Parkerized, and blued.
Finish Originality: Refinished and Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright, with defined rifling and no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. The barrel shows finish loss that has begun to patina most notably on the right hand side and towards the muzzle. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show wear and finish loss. The trigger guard has lost finish, has begun to patina and even has a small green patch. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good to Fine condition for C&R.
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: The M1 Carbine manufactured by IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) is one of the more unique and historically significant versions of the iconic World War II-era firearm. The M1 Carbine was developed as a lightweight, easy-to-handle semi-automatic rifle intended for support troops, such as paratroopers, artillery crews, and other personnel who needed a reliable weapon but didn’t require the full firepower of the M1 Garand. IBM, known today as a leading technology company, was one of ten primary contractors selected to produce the M1 Carbine during World War II. The U.S. military’s urgent need for weapons led to the enlistment of various companies outside the traditional arms manufacturing industry, which included IBM. IBM’s manufacturing of the M1 Carbine was notable for its precision and adherence to strict quality control standards. The company’s experience in manufacturing complex machinery and precision instruments translated well into producing firearms, ensuring that IBM-made carbines were reliable and met the military’s rigorous specifications. The M1 Carbine itself is chambered in .30 Carbine and is known for its relatively light recoil, making it easy to shoot accurately. It has an 18-inch barrel and typically weighs 5.2 pounds, making it considerably lighter and more compact than the M1 Garand. The M1 Carbine was praised for its maneuverability and was highly valued by soldiers in various theaters of war. Today, IBM-manufactured M1 Carbines are sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and the unique story of their production. The fact that a company primarily associated with business machines was involved in manufacturing firearms for the war effort adds an interesting layer to the history of the M1 Carbine. This example is made from a majority of IBM parts Including a Stock made by Jamestown Lounge company famous for their Oak Furniture adding a unique layer to its history. Overall, an IBM-manufactured M1 Carbine is not only a functional piece of military history but also a symbol of American industrial ingenuity and the collective effort that contributed to the Allied victory in World War II. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
