WWII International Business Machine Corp. IBM M1 Carbine .30Cal Rifle 1944
SOLD FOR: $1,276.00
WOA#: WY240601RN005
Make: International Business Machine Corp., IBM
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3756850
Year of Manufacture: Between January and March 1944, barrel date 11-1943
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 / IBM CORP. / 3756850”.
The Trigger Group is marked with a faint “INLAND” mark.
The magazine release is marked “CC M”.
The right side of the rear sight is marked with the shield “H”.
The barrel band is marked with an “KI” for Keeler Brass Co.
The left side of the hammer is marked “W”.
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. / 11 43” and a flaming bomb.
The front sight is marked “N”.
The upper handguard is marked “SCB” for Sprague & Carlton correct for IBM.
The Stock is marked “SCB” inside the sling cut for Sprague & Carlton correct for IBM. The grip has a faint “P” stamp.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 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 a refinished stock with an Oval sling cut, high wood, type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, two rivet upper handguard, 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 light color, and very minor surface marks. This stock has been sanded as the fit to the butt plate is too small. There is also a 4.5” crack in the right side belly of the stock. The handguard has light compressions throughout with a small chip on the left side. The metal buttplate has been refinished and has sharp checkering some surface scratches and several small dings on the right hand side. Overall the Wood is in Fair condition it would rate in Very good condition as refinished for a military rifle if not for the crack.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one “SY-B” marked IBM manufactured 15 round magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, and blued.
Finish Originality: Refinished.
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: This rifle retains about 98% of the refinished metal finish. The only real wear on the rifle is on the bolt and the friction surfaces of the action, there are two small scratches from where the front sight was put back on. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to 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 the one magazine.
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. 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.
