WWII International Business Machine Co. IBM M1 Carbine W/ “AO” Receiver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,034.70
WOA#: WY240601RN008
Make: International Business Machine Corp., IBM
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3901426
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 / IBM CORP. / 3901426 / AO”. The “AO” Marking for a receiver manufactured by Auto Ordinance for IBM correct for the serial range.
The Trigger Group is marked with “Q-TX”- For Triplex Corp. Of America correct for IBM
The magazine release is marked “M”.
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O. / 7160050” for International Register CO. Correct for IBM.
The barrel band is marked with an “AI” for AUTOYRE-INLAND an Inland division part.
The left side of the hammer is marked “-U-” for Underwood Elliot Fisher.
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 “J.A.O.” for J.A. Otterbein.
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 “LW-B” inside the sling cut for Lumb Woodworking Co. correct for IBM.
The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver CO.
The magazine is marked “SYB” IBM made magazine. Correct for IBM.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white painted fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is a later style sliding adjustable aperture sight with the knurled adjustment knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, high wood, type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, two rivet upper handguard, with a later type flip style 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 shows a lighter red color, with the normal scuffs, scrapes, and compressions scattered throughout the wood. There are several chips out of the pommel and sling cut, and two in the right side of the grip. The handguard has compressions and scratches throughout with chipping all along the slide cut. The metal buttplate has semi-dulled checkering and has lost the bluing around the edges. Where the finish has worn off it has largely been replaced with surface rust. There are no cracks in the wood. Overall the Stock is in Good Condition for C&R considering its age.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one “SY-B” marked IBM manufactured 15 round magazine in Very Good condition.
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 9/10.
Overall Condition: The barrel, barrel band, and front sight retain about 98% of their refinished surface with little to no marks. The trigger guard, slide, and receiver have lost some of their finish and have begun to patina. The friction surfaces on the bolt and receiver have lost some of their finish as well. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good condition as refinished 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: This rifle includes a magazine and a canvas sling.
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 not only made from a majority of IBM parts but also has an Auto Ordinance receiver that was manufactured for IBM adding an additional 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 high quality photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
