I think I have some pictures now that you can see. May need to look under my profile. Not sure these will help much, but will give you some idea what I have.
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I think I have some pictures now that you can see. May need to look under my profile. Not sure these will help much, but will give you some idea what I have.
I know less about swords than I do about carbines, but I can tell you that is one very desirable M1A1. Congratulations! - Bob
bcon, looks like a nice original M1A1. Highwood stock, push safety, type 1 barrel band and type 1 rear sight.
You should break it down, clean it and oil it. It's not hard to do and intstructions are in your TM. You don't have to take apart the bolt and trigger housing if you feel uncomfortable about that. The bolt needs a special tool to take apart, and the trigger housing can be tricky without some tools. They can still be cleaned and oiled to prevent any rust. There may also be a member from the forum near you who could help do a complete take down and data sheet for you. Do you know any of the history of ware your FIL got the carbine? Sure looks like it could be a G.I. bring back. Thank you for sharing it with us.....Frank
If that sword is bring-back it has some value, but values vary greatly depending on origin - like if it was a standard 'enlisted' issue, an officer's issue, or a family sword that was carried in the war. It looks pretty plain, but that may not be an indicator of low value. The M1A1 looks right - better pics would be great - you need daylight, cloudy day or under a shade.
I am fairly comfortable with a general cleaning of the gun. Will get to that this weekend. The gun was given to my FIL by a family relative who served in the Pacific Theatre. I will try to get some pictures in the light, was too late when I decided to do this last night. The sword was brought back from Okinawa, family member was in the artillery there. Said "there was a pile of swords / daggers and such about 20' long and 8' high of this stuff that came either from prisoners or stuff found around the island, and we were told we could take one." I don't anticipate that this is a real rare sword, is very plain compared to the ones we have on display at the museum that I help with. Eventually these items will be put on display as loan items. If there is a way to do a "data sheet" that would be great. Like I said, I am comfortable with the cleaning, but there is a big difference in cleaning an O/U shotgun and any type of semi-auto, especially when dealing with something of this age.
Thanks for all of the comments, I am really happy that these items will stay in the family and be something that I can share with others. My daughters will be doing some research on the items (with my help) and on the guys who they came from. Should be fun.
Is there a recommended "oil". I typically use a remington oil etc... on my other firearms. I was told not to mess with the sword as far as cleaning / polishing goes, so that won't be touched.
bcon,
Nice pictures. I'm sure guys are just drooling over that highwood stock. But man, when you take some other pictures, square away the rear leaf sight. :lol:
I think a nice C-Clip sling would look good on it too.
Look forward to some take down shots and part markings. I hope someone in your area speaks up to give you a hand.
I did not notice the sight until I looked at the pictures, I think it moved when I took it out of the case. Will need to ask what a "C-Clip sling" is, and where do I get one. I feel kinda in the dark on this stuff, but am having lots of fun reading what I can. Will get a chance to spend some time on it this weekend, and will try some better pictures. I have a buddy that told me last night he has a couple M1's so may get together with him and work on them.
Is there an oil that you use/recommend?
You are going to have a lot of fun learning about your piece of history. There is a lot to learn, don't let it get to you. It takes time. We have all been there. Maybe start with the Riesch book, least costly at about $20. They are on ebay, at gun shows, amazon.
U.S. M1 Carbines Book-Wartime Production-6th Revised ED | eBay
Amazon.com: U.S. M1 Carbines, Wartime Production, 6th Revised and Expanded Edition (9781882391431): Craig Riesch: Books
C Clip slings
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ne004122-1.jpg
D Clip slings
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e0041211-1.jpg
You may try to find an early khaki C clip sling.
Attachment 32821
Attachment 32822
You have a very desirable carbine