Very Early Inland. Possibly Unaltered

[EinsteinTaylor]

Greetings,
I posted this on another forum but it didn't seem to be as active as this one, and I didn't get a whole lot of feedback.

I have recently purchased an early Inland that I *believe* may be a complete original. It has a serial number in the 22xxx range which is what initially got me interested. I paid $1,000 so I don't think I'm going to get hurt if you guys find any discrepancies but so far everything is looking right on.

My one uncertainty is the butt plate. It has the straight checkered plate. That being said, there seems to not be much consensus around when the switch from diagonal to straight was made, and I have seen other, similarly serial numbered pieces sold as original with the straight checkering.

I have taken pictures of the pieces that I know to be key indicators of correctness such as the "S" on the flip sight, and the stock markings. The three stampings in the sling well, and the proof stamp on the pistol grip are the only stampings anywhere on this stock. I.e I don't see any indication of an arsenal rebuild.

I would appreciate any and all views of the album and opinions on correctness, and possible value(although it's not for sale, like to know where it stands).

I do not have a bolt disassembly tool so I have not tried to take it apart. If there are any further pictures that would help with diagnosis, let me know and I'll get them posted.

The sling is a repop but the oiler is original to the gun. I'll probably ebay a correct sling for it.

http://imgur.com/a/g68aF

Information

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[shadycon]

Hi again: My thoughts are still the same. Very nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't give you a good enough reply the your questions.

[browningautorifle]

Very nice carbine...

[deldriver]

On the butt plate, the diagonal and square style were reported throughout Inland's first serial block range. The key to many very early Inland carbines like yours is the finish. I see some things I like and some things that could be due to storage of the carbine. Can you post some additional pictures of the left side of the carbine out of the stock, but with the trigger housing still in and maybe one from the top with the barrel band pushed forward of the gas cylinder area? Those are some of the weakest spot welds I've seen on a type one barrel band.

Thanks

[JackP]

I still go along with Shady on this. It's probably worth a few hundred more than you paid. You might get some new input on the Carbine Club Forum.

[EinsteinTaylor]

Thanks Shady and Jack! Good to see you from the other forum too!

Deldriver thanks for taking a look and the input about the butt plate.

I'll get those pictures posted after doing the Mother's Day thing for the wife today.

[EinsteinTaylor]

I have added the images you requested as well as a few additional ones. Would you mind educating me about what you're looking for? Always want to learn new things from the experts.

I've also uploaded a few pictures of something on the stock, right by the M1 Carbine stamping I've never noticed before. Not sure if it's just a hickey in the wood, or if it's some sort of stamping. I'm going to research but if anyone knows what the mushroom looking thing is I'd love the info.

[browningautorifle]

Three on the stock are ordnance mark, flaming bomb and Overton Lumber stamp...is that what you refer to? Or do you mean on the top left edge? I suspect the stock has been sanded at the bottom which would suggest further issue by another country at some point, perhaps that's what it's from?

[EinsteinTaylor]

I'm familiar with the three markings in the sling well.

There is some other sort of something on the top of the stock, even with the words at the front of the receiver. Almost looks like a mushroom or something.

Might just be a ding in the wood but it kind of looks like it was done on purpose.

[JOHN42768]

A thousand spent very wisely in my view. John