WWII Underwood M1 Carbine U.S. US M-1 .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1775
LSB#: 220416GW001
Make: Underwood Corporation
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2840152
Year of Manufacture: March to April, 1944 (page 31 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
Barrel Date: February, 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “UNDERWOOD / 2840152 / flaming bomb” on the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2 – 44 / flaming bomb” and with a partial “P”. The rear of the trigger group’s magazine well is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “WU” which is an Underwood mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with Underwood and others (pages 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “circled .U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “.U.” under the left lug which is an Underwood mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” (faded) on the left which is consistent with Underwood and others (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Underwood and others (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “M-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 138). The sling well is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche and “J” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 108-109). The right side of the stock is marked with a “boxed” reproduction Underwood cartouche containing “G.H.D. / U.E.F.” and “crossed cannons”. The original Underwood cartouche contains “G.H.D. / UEF”; note the lack of periods (pages 120 -124). The rear of the magazine is marked “UW” which is a Winchester mark (page 142-143).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I dual flip up aperture aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The wood shows scattered scrapes & scratches which have been finished over. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is sharp. There is intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.7.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish.
The left side of the receiver has some surface erosion showing through the new finish. The sides of the receiver show scrapes & scratches under the wood. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and areas of light thinning. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition as refinished.
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: The rifle comes with an unmarked green canvas sling and a 15 round magazine. The magazine shows light scratches from aggressive cleaning and surface erosion. It is in about Very Good condition. The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
The rifle also comes with a “December 19, 1942” dated, full page ad from the “THE SATURDAY EVENING POST”. It is an M1 Carbine ad from the “Underwood Elliott Fisher Company”.
Please see photos as to the condition of the listed items.
Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
The Underwood Typewriter Company was a manufacturer of typewriters headquartered in New York City, New York. By 1939, Underwood had produced five million machines. In 1927 the company was reorganized into Underwood-Elliott-Fisher, which later became the Underwood Corporation. During WWII Underwood was one of the many companies who helped with the war effort. They produced about 8.9% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines.
This Underwood M1 Carbine was built back in 1944. It has since been rebuilt and refinished. The rifle was rebuilt using mostly Underwood parts. The stock body is a replacement but it has been stamped with a reproduction Underwood cartouche. The rifle is in Very Good Plus to Fine condition with lots of nice Underwood markings and a good bore.
The rifle comes with a “December 19, 1942” dated, full page ad from the “THE SATURDAY EVENING POST”. It is an M1 Carbine ad from the “Underwood Elliott Fisher Company”. It would look great framed and next to your gun safe. Good luck.