WWII Saginaw Gear S’G’ M1 Carbine 18”.30cal Semi Auto Rifle U.S. C&R 1943
SOLD FOR: $1,300.00
LSB#: WY250501TW008
Make: Saginaw S’G’. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Saginaw, Michigan.
Model: M1 Carbine.
Serial Number: 1819936
Year of Manufacture: Receiver between July and September of 1943, the barrel date is 8-1943.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW S’G’ / 1819936”. The right rear side of the receiver is marked with a small flaming bomb inspection mark.
The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 8-43” with a flaming bomb. There is also a “P” about midlength. Correct for Saginaw Gear in this Serial range.
The front sight is stamped with “N” Saginaw Gear front sight
The Barrel Band is marked: “UI” for Union Hardware made for Inland
The slide is marked on the inside with a “U” inside a circle and on the bottom is marked with “104”.
The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.
The magazine catch is marked “M” and “E.I.” an Inland Division part.
The hammer is marked “GMB” for IBM
The Trigger group is marked “BE-B”. An IBM trigger group.
The safety is marked “EPB” an IBM part.
The lug is unmarked.
The upper handguard is unmarked.
The stock is marked with a circle “P” on the pommel, “IO” in the sling cut, and a large ordnance wheel on the right flank. This is an Inland Overton made stock.
Magazine is marked “O SG” Owins Illinois Can Co magazine made for Saginaw.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is a later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, high wood, with two rivet handguard, type 1 band, crossbolt safety and metal checkered buttplate. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The upper handguard shows minimal wear with a few small chips from the edges but no visible cracks. The stock has been lightly sanded as a result it shows only scattered light wear. The wood does show some scattered very small nicks and surface level lines in the finish of the wood. The blued metal buttplate has light rub wear around the edges and shows light surface rust in the rub marks and checkering. There are no visible cracks in the stock however a repair has been made on the left side above the trigger guard. Overall the stock rates in about Good + to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized / Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. There is some very light fouling present on the edges of the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The receiver is almost in the white and the trigger group’s original parkerizing has faded. The bolt retains almost all its finish. The barrel’s finish has thinned and turned brown with age. There are some small patches of oxidation on the front sight. The markings are clear and screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Good to 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: This M1 includes a 15 round magazine in Good+ condition showing light oxidation on the bluing. .
Our Assessment: The Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine is a significant variant of the iconic M1 Carbine, produced during World War II by the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors. The M1 Carbine itself was a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle designed to provide greater firepower than the standard-issue sidearm while being more portable than the M1 Garand. Saginaw Steering Gear Division, located in Saginaw, Michigan, was one of several companies contracted by the U.S. government to manufacture the M1 Carbine. Production of the M1 Carbine by Saginaw Gear began in 1943 and continued through the end of World War II. The company was chosen for its expertise in precision engineering and manufacturing, essential for the production of reliable military firearms. The Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine, like other variants, is chambered in .30 Carbine. It operates on a short-stroke gas piston system, allowing for semi-automatic fire. The rifle has an effective range of about 300 yards, making it suitable for various combat roles, from close-quarters engagements to medium-range skirmishes. Today, the Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine is a sought-after collector’s item due to its historical significance and being manufactured by Saginaw Steering Gear. The M1 Carbine, in general, remains a popular choice among collectors and shooters for its historical value, reliability, and ease of use. This example has the typical yet unique mixture of parts including the Underwood barrel. Underwood, famous for making typewriters, is in fact correct for a Saginaw receiver. In summary, this Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine is a notable variant of the M1 Carbine produced during World War II by the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors. Known for its reliable performance and lightweight design, this rifle served various roles during the war and is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts for its historical significance and quality craftsmanship. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
