Your considered opinion please - 5-43 Inland M1

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

I recently bought a 5-43 dated Inland, sn 265xxx. I have the reference books for many types of WWII firearm to recognize the differences, but nothing on the US M1 Carbine. So, I'd like a little coaching on what this little rifle tells us. Using the carbine club download sheet, I will run through the obvious parts' identification.

Flat topped bolt, marked IO and 2 on the left lug, rounded profile right lug
Early joint op rod, 3/16" step, flat bottom, V-top cam cut
M1 trigger group, marked INLAND, no hole on the left side
Smooth push button safety
Smooth magazine release, marked ESG
Hammer marked IH
Trigger marked RI
Type 1 barrel band, marked U, with stamped sling loop
Milled front sight, slope style, marked IS
Barrel is marked INLAND MFG DIV, GENERAL MOTORS, 5-43. Also marked with a big 5 on the swell in front of the breech ring
Receiver marked with maker and serial number almost concealed under back sight
Stamped slider rear sight, marked H in shield
Recoil plate, marked AU
Square pattern checkered butt plate (the dust and fluff underneath are worth leaving behind as a curiousity!)
Stock marked IO in sling cut, rounded end oiler slot, high wood

The carbine looks 'old' with well matching wear on the parts. The last four digits of the serial number are repeated on the top of the bolt, in the sling slot, on the slide arm and on the trigger itself. Except for the stamped sight and these extra numbers, I judge this carbine is close to original condition with many early style parts. What does the collective wisdom think?

Information

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[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Maple_Leaf_Eh ,

Some markings do not ring true for the low SN. The rear sight should be a leaf not adj. The E-SG mag release usually is found on a Saginaw Gear. AU recoil plates are found on Underwoods. Having the serial number on other parts. I cut to O cut sling wells started early summer 1943. Things like that.

Pictures would be a better help.

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

Maple_Leaf_Eh ,

Some markings do not ring true for the low SN. The rear sight should be a leaf not adj. The E-SG mag release usually is found on a Saginaw Gear. AU recoil plates are found on Underwoods. Having the serial number on other parts. I cut to O cut sling wells started early summer 1943. Things like that.

Pictures would be a better help.

Jim:

I agree with your points. The stamped sight is usually considered a post-war revision. To be authentic (to type) the backsight should be a flip. Without splitting hairs, the common opinion for many wartime items, whether No.4 Lee Enfields or Garands, subcontractors traded parts to fill contracts. To expect the whole production line to take a break while one little shop made more whatevers. No, things got moving to meet requirements. This is why I don't sweat the RI, ESG and U marked parts. The stock could be a very early adoption or an in-service replacement. It could even have come off an Underwood carbine.

Terry

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

These are the photos off the internet auction.

[imarangemaster]

Nice Carbine with honest wear. I wouldn't mess with it. I am partial carbines with adjustable sight, but no bayonet lug. My transitional 5.7 mil Winchester has original stamped rear sight and type II band. Since yours still has the type I band, it may not be a post war rebuild (where everything was generally upgraded), but may have been upgraded with the adjustable sight late war in theater. IIRC, some carbines had adjustable sights put on in early 45 by division armorers if they went back for repair.

[kar66]

With the numbered bolt and slide I would think it was one of the German returns. The Germans always numbered parts. A lot of them came back with type 1 bands and only a few postwar up grades. I saw 2 at a show a month ago. Both had type 1 bands and 1 still had the flip rear sight. I usually don't check them to close as the numbered parts turn me off. I'm sure others will add more.

[INLAND44]

Yes, it's a 'Bavarian'.

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

Thanks fellas. I was confused by the numbered parts, but the adjustable sight and apparently early parts. Thanks for the help!