NPM STAMP on lelt side of stock ???

[DICKX]

I have seen a carbine today that has NPM Receiver SN # 4199540, I think a Buffalo Arms Barrel, very hard to see, as is very faint stamp. The stock has OI in slingwell and no markings on right side of stock but has the NPM/FJA stamp in the box on the left side but very faint and a sharp P in a circle on the pistol grip. The stock has no rebuild stamping on left side but the carbine has all the rebuild parts, bayonet band, flip saftey, M mag catch, adj sights. The stock looks almost to good, no dings, dents, or wear marks.
Bore is good- 3/16" of M2 ball 30/06 shows
Front hand guard 2 rivet deep wide groove with a crack.
Stock mag pouch 1943, 6 15rd mags, 4 mag pouches, 2 bandoliers with ammo on 10rd stripper clips, repo bayo and a M8A1 Scabbard and 150 rounds of ammo and 2 usgi oil cans that fit into a mag pouch,
The rear sights have no markings, may be repo.
He want's $ 850.00 which I think is to much but I know he wont come down. So I think I will have to pass.
You guys are the experts, give me your opinion
Appreciate any advice.
Thanks
Dick

[painter777]

Dick,
To start, I'd agree he sounds high $.
NPM was not involved in the post WWII rebuild program.
A common stamp found near the sling well on the left was the STD PROD over RWH Stamp but wasn't boxed. RIA over EB was boxed.
That serial block had some U subcontract receivers. The U stamped on the rear heel of the receiver.
That being said I have heard of some Ordnance Final Acceptance Stamps being found on the left, but the norm was between the oiler slot and pistol grip on the right.
Any sign of the NPM CC?
Was the circled P on the bottom of the pistol grip?
Circled P (with serif) usually found on front of the grip, meant it was stamped after a proof test, at the armory, depot... etc level.

If interested in it, first I'd be trying to figure out any slingwell markings. Look closely if the OI has a letter that might indicate a transfer aka N.
Next feel the right side stock for any flat area where a Inland CC may have been sanded off.
A picture of the inside of the stock, showing the wood bridge, slide well and barrel channel.
Also look at the right rail to see if this was a Hi-Wood at one time.
A barrel used by NPM should have a P proof stamp with (I call) the NPM punch mark near by.

Here's a few links about the punch mark...
Military Surplus Collectors Forums

HTH,
Charlie-painter777

Circled P Proof found on early WRA, Underwoods, IP, Saginaw S'G' and off and on thru Inlands early-mid production.

[DICKX]

Thanks Charlie,
The circle P mark is on the bottom of the pistol grip.
I finally broke down and ordered War Baby vol 1 so will have a better book to use when I get it.
You guys are so knowledgeable on the carbines.
I am trying to learn but at 72 I am finding out you can still teach a old dog new tricks.
Thanks
Dick