WWII Underwood Intertype “T” Marked Receiver M1 .30Cal Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,324.00
LSB#: WY240715LP138
Make: Underwood
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2378903
Year of Manufacture: July 1943-March 1944, Barrel Date 11-43. Based on the Block range and barrel date this rifle was most likely produced in early 1944.
Caliber: .30 Cal
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2378903 / T”. This “T” bevel mark denotes the receiver was produced by INTERTYPE for Underwood.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” about 2.5” back from the front sight. The front of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 11-43” with a flaming bomb mark.
The barrel band is “MMQ”.
The Bayonet Lug is marked “EM-Q” for Elgin Metal Novelty Co.
The front sight is stamped with “N”-International Business Machine part
The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.
The slide is marked “N 8” a National Postal Meter Slide.
The extractor is marked “R” for Rock-Ola.
The right rear of the trigger group is marked “B-EB” An International Business Machine IBM part.
The mag release is marked “MWA”.
The hammer is marked “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph
The rotary safety is marked “SS” This is a rebuild marked rotary safety.
The sear is marked “RI”- Inland Division.
The stock is marked with only an illegible mark in the sling well.
The lug is unmarked.
The upper handguard is unmarked
The canvas muzzle cover is marked “VICTORY MFG. INC. 1944 / U.S.”
The Jeep Scabbard is unmarked.
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock on this rifle is an Oval cut, low wood stock with a four rivet handguard, a type 3 barrel band with a bayonet lug and a later style rotary safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. This stock has been sanded and refinished as a result it shows very few marks, lines or compressions. There is one small punch mark in the left flank of the forend. There are no visible cracks or chips. The handguard similarly has no real marks, scratches or compressions. There are no cracks or chips. Someone has filled in all the rivet holes before they finished the wood. The metal buttplate has lost its finish, turned brown with patina and has begun to develop surface rust. Overall this stock is in Very Good to Excellent condition as refinished for C&R.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished / original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. There are lines from use and cleaning present. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10. This is a great bore in my opinion. I rarely give an M1 a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its refinished metal finish. There is minor wear on the friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver. There is some patina and the beginning of surface rust on the barrel band. There is some minor discoloration on the front sight wings. The edges of the trigger guard show some small marks and nicks. The markings range from clear to faint. The screw heads are sharp and serviceable. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good + to Excellent 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 muzzle cover, the Jeep scabbard, and a Green canvas sling.
Our Assessment: This Underwood M1 Carbine is a fascinating piece of World War II history, representing the collaborative manufacturing efforts that defined American weapon production during the war. Manufactured in 1944 by the Underwood Elliott Fisher Company, this M1 Carbine comes from a period towards the end of Underwood’s production run, making it a representative example of wartime small arms production. This carbine features a receiver supplied by Intertype, which, although not a primary manufacturer of the M1 Carbine, contributed parts to various producers, including Underwood and on very rare occasions to Winchester. This was a common practice, as the M1 Carbine program relied on a network of subcontractors to meet the massive demand for these lightweight, reliable rifles. The carbine also retains an Underwood barrel, which is appropriate and consistent with the primary manufacturer. Underwood barrels are known for their quality, and having the barrel match the main producer of the rifle adds a degree of historical correctness. One of the standout features of this carbine is the National Postal Meter slide and IBM Trigger group. IBM, known at the time for making Business machines, and National Postal Meter two of the ten main contractors for the M1 Carbine during World War II. The presence of the IBM and NPM parts on an Underwood rifle exemplifies the M1 Carbine’s design philosophy, which prioritized interchangeability and functionality over strict uniformity. In summary, this Underwood M1 Carbine encapsulates the essence of American wartime production, where numerous companies came together to produce a reliable and effective weapon for the troops. This example also includes a sling, a period correct muzzle cover and a Jeep scabbard. This carbine is not just a firearm but a historical artifact, reflecting the collaborative spirit and industrial might of the United States during World War II. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
