WWII Underwood M1 Carbine 30Cal Semi Auto Rifle w/ Matching Barrel 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,055.00
LSB#: LSB251014JE001
Make: Underwood
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1432398
Year of Manufacture: The receiver was made between November 1942 and July 1943. The barrel date is 5-43.
Caliber: .30 Cal carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “UNDERWOOD / 1432398”. There was a flaming bomb mark that has been punched over with four stamp marks. I went through every book I have and could not find an established reason why this was done.
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 5-43” with the flaming bomb.
Import Mark: “C.A.I. GEORGIA VT.”
The front sight is stamped with “EU” An Underwood part
The barrel band is marked “SI” Unknown-Correct for Inland
The inside of the slide is marked “N 1 5”. National Postal Meter
The bolt is unmarked
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O. 7160060”-for International Register CO.
The Trigger group is marked “BE-B”. An IBM trigger group.
The magazine release is marked “CCM” a post war rebuild part
The hammer is marked “SW” for White Sewing Machine Co
The sear is unmarked
The rotary Safety is marked “CM” a post war rebuild part.
The magazine is marked “IS”
The stock is marked in the nose with “SA” this is a post war replacement stock. This stock also is marked “10” on the pommel, and “1432398”.
The lug is unmarked.
The upper handguard is marked “IO” for Inland Overton
The lug is marked “RIA” for Rock Island Armory
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 three barrel band with bayonet lug and a late rotary safety. The LOP is 13” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The wood shows scattered lines, scratches, and compressions throughout. The inside of the belly shows a crack forming. There is a large chip missing from the right side of the nose, there is a chip that has been repaired behind the lug, and there are several chips in the pommel that have been finished over. The metal butt plate has turned brown with age showing rub wear and surface rust around the edges. The checkering is sharp. Overall the stock set is in about Fair condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine. The magazine is in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and clean, with defined rifling and no visible erosion. There are a few spots in the bore that show barely visible pitting mainly in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is minor wear on the friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver. The finish of the rifle has turned dark brown with age. The barrel, front sight wings, charging handle, and receiver show the majority of the finish loss. The markings are clear. The barrel band shows some rust freckling. The screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Fair+-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 rifle comes with a total of one magazine, oiler and sling.
Our Assessment: The Underwood M1 Carbine is a fascinating example of American ingenuity during World War II, produced by Underwood-Elliott-Fisher in 1943. Underwood, famous for its typewriters before the war, transitioned its precision manufacturing capabilities to support the U.S. military by producing M1 Carbines. This particular example, having been possibly serviced at Springfield armory as indicated by the replacement stock, features a unique blend of parts, showcasing the complex process of sourcing parts for post war arsenal service and refurb. The rifle maintains the original Underwood barrel, dated 5-43, aligning perfectly with the rifle’s production date and further emphasizing the consistency of Underwood’s manufacturing process. This rifle also features parts made by IBM, National Postal Meter, and White Sewing Machine Co.
The association with these manufacturers, each famous in their own fields having all turned wartime firearm producers, makes this carbine even more compelling. It stands as a testament to the adaptability of American industry and the collaborative efforts of contractors and arsenals to supply reliable weapons to soldiers across the globe. This carbine is not only a collector’s piece but also a vivid reminder of the critical role American manufacturers played in securing victory 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.
