WWII Underwood Universal Winding M1 Carbine Semi-Auto Rifle C&R 1943-1944
SOLD FOR: $1,235.00
WOA#: WY240529FS013
Make: Underwood
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 2471336
Year of Manufacture: July 1943-February 1944
Caliber: .30 Cal
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2471336 / W” with a faint flaming bomb stamp. The “W” stamp over the flaming bomb would denote a sub-contracted receiver code for Universal Winding.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” about 4” back from the front sight. The front of the barrel is marked “MARLIN”. The top of the barrel just in front of the receiver is marked with a Star, “AA” and what appears to be “B7” or “87”. The “AA” could be an Augusta Arsenal mark. There is also a firing proof punch mark on the receiver.
The barrel band is Marked “MMQ”.
The front sight is marked “EU”-for Prestole Div. Detroit Harvester correct for Underwood.
The bottom of the trigger guard is marked “T”, the side of the trigger group “W” for Winchester.
The rear sight is marked with “I.R.C.O.” for International Register CO.
The magazine release button is marked “CCM”.
The hammer is marked “WA” for Winchester
The Safety is either marked ““UW”” for Universal Winding or “MU” for Marlin Underwood. It is hard to tell with the way the marking was done.
The slide is marked “7160091 D” a Winchester slide.
The bolt is marked “-U-” for Underwood
The right side of the stock has an Ordnance wheel and “NPMFJA” mandatory mark for National Postage Meter. The sling cut is stamped with a faint “TRIMBLE TN” for National Postage Meter.
The lug is stamped double stamped with a “SG” for Saginaw Gear.
The upper handguard is marked “TN” for Trimble Nursery the subcontractor for stocks for National Postage Meter and Underwood.
The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver CO.
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a simple blade set between protective wings and the rear sight is a late style sliding aperture sight with knurled adjustment knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition:The stock on this rifle is an Oval cut, low wood stock with a two rivet handguard, a type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, and a later style flip safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The wood appears to have been partially sanded and refinished. The upper handguard shows very little wear with one depression and one small chip in the sighting groove there are no cracks. The metal buttplate has lost its finish and has started to turn brown with patina also the checkering has dulled. Since the stock appears to have been sanded it has a very minimal amount of lines, scratches and compressions. The only notable marr is a 3” scratch on the belly of the stock near the buttplate. There are small chips missing from the oval cut. There are no cracks in the stock. The stock feels amazingly smooth in the hand. Overall the stock is in Fine to Very Fine condition for C&R.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 30 round magazine in Like New condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is visible. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7./10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 96% of its refinished finish. There is very minimal finish loss on the friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver. The barrel has stains where oil has collected under the barrel band which should be removable with a proper cleaning. There is some oil caked onto the receiver and trigger guard as well. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in Fine to Very Fine condition for refurbished and C&R given its age.
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 magazine and a green canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine is one of the most iconic firearms of World War II, known for its lightweight design and widespread use by the U.S. military. Produced in vast numbers to meet the demands of the war, the M1 Carbine was manufactured by several companies, each contributing different components to the final product. A carbine with an Underwood receiver, Universal Winding components, a Marlin barrel, and a Trimble Nursery stock illustrates the collaborative manufacturing efforts of the time. Underwood Elliott Fisher Company was a key player in the production of M1 Carbines. Known for their typewriters before the war, Underwood’s foray into firearm production resulted in high-quality guns that are still prized by collectors today. Universal Winding Company, originally a manufacturer of machinery for the textile industry, became a subcontractor during the war, producing essential parts such as receivers. These components were then supplied to primary contractors like Underwood, highlighting the interconnected nature of wartime manufacturing. The Marlin Firearms Company contributed by producing barrels for the M1 Carbine. Marlin, a respected name in the firearms industry, supplied barrels not only for their own firearms but also for other manufacturers during the war. The carbine’s stock, made by Trimble Nursery and Furniture Company, was originally supplied to National Postal Meter, another significant manufacturer of M1 Carbines during the war. Trimble, known for producing wooden stocks, provided components to several prime contractors. The M1 Carbine’s construction using parts from different manufacturers is typical of the era. After the war, many carbines were refurbished using available parts, leading to a mix of components from various sources. Mixed-part carbines like this one are historically authentic and represent the practical realities of wartime production and post-war refurbishment. This particular M1 Carbine, with its combination of parts from Underwood, Universal Winding, Marlin, and Trimble Nursery, serves as a tangible reminder of the collaborative efforts that defined the American industrial war machine. It is a piece of history that not only tells the story of the weapon itself but also of the many companies and workers who came together to support the war effort. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
