WWII Saginaw Gear S’G’ M1 Carbine 18”.30cal Semi Auto Rifle U.S. C&R 1943

SOLD FOR: $1,050.00

LSB#: LSB250828DV004

Make: Saginaw S’G’. Saginaw Division (Imported from Italy – PW Arms) Given to the Italian Carabinari right after WWII

Model: M1 Carbine.

Serial Number: 3593030

Year of Manufacture: Receiver between 05/43-02/44. The Underwood barrel date is 3-44. 

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’ / 3593030”. 

The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 3-44” with a flaming bomb. There is also a “P” about midlength. The bottom of the barrel is marked “PW ARMS / REDMOND, WA”.  

The Type II front sight is stamped with “SI U” for Underwood. 

The Type III Barrel Band is unmarked.    

The Type I slide is marked “DA-Q” in the slide well for Quality Hardware.

The rear sight is marked “I.R. CO. / T160060”. 

The magazine catch is marked “M”.

The hammer is marked “SHTE” for Standard Products Co. 

The Trigger Housing is marked “W” on the right side. 

The lever safety is marked “H.T.”.

The lug is unmarked.

The upper handguard is marked “IO”. 

The inside of the sling well is marked “IO”. The front of the pistol grip is marked “P”. The right side of the buttstock is marked with crossed cannons. The inside of the barrel recess is marked with several stamps.

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 knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood, with two rivet handguard, type III band, lever safety and metal checkered buttplate. There are scattered scratches, nicks, compressions, and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates in about Good condition.   

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is handling and operational wear. There is finish loss on the action. The markings are clear and screw heads are sharp to tool marked. Overall this rifle is in 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: None. 

Our Assessment: Saginaw S’G’ carbines occupy a special niche in M1 Carbine collecting, as they were produced by the Saginaw Steering Gear Division specifically to take over incomplete Irwin-Pedersen contracts after that company failed to meet wartime production standards. As a result, S’G’-marked carbines often display a diverse mix of subcontractor parts paired with Saginaw’s own high-quality machining. This example adds another layer of history, having been exported for post-WWII service with the Italian Carabinieri, then later re-imported by PW Arms. These Italian-return carbines are well regarded for retaining many U.S. parts while avoiding the more aggressive postwar rebuild processes seen at domestic arsenals.

This rifle’s Underwood 3-44 barrel, Inland/Overton “IO” wood, Quality Hardware slide, Standard Products hammer, and Type III barrel band reflect the typical wartime and postwar parts flow encountered during arsenal refurbishment programs. The .30 Carbine cartridge—built for lightweight, fast-handling service weapons—remains well supported today, and this example maintains a bright 9/10 bore, solid mechanics, and clean stock with honest field wear. Retaining about 60% finish with the characteristic thinning and handling patina of a government-issued firearm, it stands as a representative and historically engaging S’G’ carbine with documented overseas service. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.