Underwood Barrel Marking

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11-23-2012, 06:15 AM
Patrick Chadwick

2 Attachment(s)

Underwood Barrel Marking

My match-winning carbine is a Standard Products mixmaster, No 2200xxx. Also with Underwood barrel, dated 1x - 44 (I really cannot make out the second figure).

But about 1.5" further back towards the breech end there is another marking: letters I and A, serif characters, about 5/32 high, with the I centered on the A to create a symmetrical monogram above a date 7-61.
Attachment 38384
Attachment 38385

Does this indicate some kind of arsenal makeover, bore refresh or what? It is not an importer's mark or German http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/h/...xNcCHyss83.gif proof mark, with which I am familiar.

Any ideas?
11-23-2012, 07:05 AM
shadycon

I don't know about the extra markings, but "SPECIAL PRODUCTS"? Maybe 'Standard Products'? GK
11-23-2012, 08:53 AM
deldriver

Has to be some kind of mark from its time in another country's military; someone feel free to correct me though. As far as the barrel date and maker, it is definitely correct for your Standard Products M1 Carbine. My Standard Products has a 2.23 serial number with a 3-44 Underwood barrel on it. Some other pictures would be great if you can post them.
11-23-2012, 09:40 AM
Patrick Chadwick

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadycon

Maybe 'Standard Products'? GK

Oops!

---------- Post added at 03:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:38 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by deldriver

Some other pictures would be great if you can post them.

OK, I'll do something about that - but you're going to be very disappointed - it is a very ordinary looking carbine.
11-23-2012, 10:13 AM
deldriver

OK, I'll do something about that - but you're going to be very disappointed - it is a very ordinary looking carbine.

It's a Standard Products...some guys would give their right you know what for it. :lol:
11-23-2012, 02:02 PM
imarangemaster

I do admit, I am very partial to my Standard Products....
11-23-2012, 02:09 PM
Patrick Chadwick

Sorry lads, I'm only a shooter, not a collector - so what is special about Standard Products ?

And please, someone make an informed guess about that barrel marking! I am stumped for an answer.
11-23-2012, 02:18 PM
painter777

Patrick,
Only a guess on my part,
But wondering if the AI might be a Italian Date Stamp?
AI being 1982.

Any markings on top of the end of the barrel chamber? (Where it threads to the receiver)
Like a STAR and or number?

Charlie-Painter777
11-23-2012, 04:00 PM
INLAND44

Probably an Israeli arsenal mark, maybe 'Aleph', with a date of 7-61. We had furnished many carbines to them in the post-war period.
11-23-2012, 04:44 PM
imarangemaster

You barrel may just be "1-44". My Standard Products ser# 2143800, has an Underwood barrel marked "12-43". I wasn't sure, until recently when I took it out in the bright sunlight and could clearly see "12-43" which should be right for that serial number range according to what others have.
11-23-2012, 05:02 PM
imarangemaster

Quote:

Originally Posted by INLAND44

Probably an Israeli arsenal mark, maybe 'Aleph', with a date of 7-61. We had furnished many carbines to them in the post-war period.

My Mash Az Underwood had a Hebrew character just like that. I don't remember if it had any numerals.
11-23-2012, 05:51 PM
painter777

IRM,
Here's the link to your Hebrew marking.
I don't see anything similar on Patricks.

CH-P777

Israeli proof marks?
11-23-2012, 07:24 PM
imarangemaster

I guess you are right Charlie. What I had was more like an open on top "4".
11-24-2012, 01:49 AM
Patrick Chadwick

Thanks to all for for the suggestions! I will follow them up and report back with a couple of pics - probably tomorrow.
11-24-2012, 04:16 PM
Bruce McAskill

Patrick have you checked for proof marks from Belgium? Just a thought as they also had a few carbines and the time frame would be right too.
11-24-2012, 05:38 PM
Patrick Chadwick

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce McAskill

have you checked for proof marks from Belgium

I checked right through Wirnsberger and out the other side before starting this topic. I have fished around in Italian sources. If I simply google for 30M1 and IA I get Inland ! With AI I get Accuracy International ! In other words, I haven't a clue.
11-25-2012, 10:29 AM
Patrick Chadwick

4 Attachment(s)

Underwood barrel date and carbine photos

By moving the barrel around in various lighting conditions, I was finally able to make out that the date is 2-44.
What had fooled me was the 2 being broken up by the turning marks on the barrel. I do not have the equipment to photograph it, but under an eyeglass you can see that the effect is somewhat like this:

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which is what led me to falsely identify a 1 and an illegible 2nd figure.

And now "By popular request", some photos.

General view, left.
Attachment 38462
General view, right.
Attachment 38460
Receiver top view.
Attachment 38461
Open action.
Attachment 38463
Connoisseurs will note the blob of plasticine used to hold the backsight in a position between two "click" marks. I prefer using tricks like this to irreversible operations like filing down the foresight, as experience has shown that if you change the load it is very difficult to file the blade "up" again!
11-25-2012, 11:37 AM
frankderrico

Patrick, now that is a great idea. I never liked the thought of filing the front sight, but I can understand the need to do it by a soldier. For us shooters the plastic saves the sight for sure. Thanks for the tip.....Frank
11-25-2012, 04:02 PM
Patrick Chadwick

To make it look better, I need some parkerized plasticene!