M1 Carbine made by Inland Division. The serial number is XC 43

[XXX1]

I posted this same to the New Member thread but this subforum might be a better place for my question. I am trying to track down information on my M1 Carbine made by Inland Division. The serial number is XC 43 which is unusual based on what I have read. Any thoughts on that particular serial number, when made, etc.? I read on one site that the "X" designation at the front of the serial number (as opposed to the end which indicates a duplicate serial number, I believe) indicated either an experimental version and/or a carbine given to an Inland Division employee. Can anyone confirm if that is true? If so, that would be very interesting as this particular carbine was given to my grandfather who was an GM employee during the 40s.

Thanks.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[painter777]

XC1-XC100 Inland experimental serial block.

Would have to dig out the books for more info.
Stand by,

Charlie-Painter777

P.S. We Love Pictures!

[XXX1]

I hear you on the pictures. I will get some posted. And thanks for your help.

[painter777]

From Larry Ruth's 'WarBaby',
The XC Serial Numbers XC 1 - XC 100
Some (I can only assume... early) had modified Tapered rifling.
Remainder presented to individuals.
First XC Carbine presented August 17, 1944
The last presented Dec 7 1949.

I believe all the X series Inland carbines were considered Experimental, no issue to the Gov, but don't bet the house on my info.

Approx: X series serial numbers:
X1 - X100
XA1 - XA100
XB1 - XB100* (possible plus 1)
XC1 - XC100
XD1 - XD100
XE1 - XE100
XF1 - XF100
XG1 - XG100

Ruth's WarBaby, page 359 states that the 400 Carbines in XC thru XG were not charged to the Gov as these were all presented to various Inland and other General Motors employees, subs, suppliers, military personnel and other Gov officials in appreciation of their contributions to Inland's War effort.

XXX1,
Use this as a 'Rough Guide'
There are others here better schooled on these than me, hopefully they'll chime in.
Hope this helps a bit for now,

Charlie-Painter777

[painter777]

Here's an example of a Inland XA#?
That was used as a demonstration cutaway, as stated in WarBaby: "...An unknown number were used....".

Rare Inland Cutaway M1 X-Prefix Presentation Carbine.... Long | Lot #32458 | Heritage Auctions

Below: a link to a completed auction of Inland XC17,

Exceptional WWII M1 Carbine Made By Inland Mfg Company


This might be a good one to compare to.

HTH,
CH-P777

---------- Post added at 04:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 PM ----------

Found XC77,
I believe this one has been sold 4 or 5 times over the last 6-7 years.
If it's the same one I'm thinking about. Just seem to recall the 77

Exceptional Rare WWII Inland Presentation M1 Carbine

[XXX1]

Incredibly helpful information. I will check my carbine against the various auction carbines but all of the markings seem to track. By way of background, during WWII my grandfather was a VP in the General Motors division now known as AC-Delco and the story that has been passed down over the years was that this particular M1 Carbine, a "prototype", was given to him by Inland. I was never able to verify whether that story was true until now so thanks again for your help!

[painter777]

"I was never able to verify whether that story was true until now so thanks again for your help!"
You'll find that I can be bought..... Cheap........

XXX1,
I see your a newer member and on behalf of myself and our other members would lke to Welcome you to Milsurps
If I were you, I'd dig deep in to old family records, company records, contacting them (Many have links to their Company WWII Wartime history).
Try the local paper Archives, libraries.. etc at the time of Presentation.
Use any means possible to find a documented link to your Grandfather (by name) and this carbine.
Posting his name may help.
Company records might have info you can grab.
I'd think the company would see some kind of positive PR shot with the presentation.
IIRC Delco Remy received the E Award.

We have many highly educated collectors here, that know so much more than I do.
Could be possible that someone has seen or documented info about Inland XC 43 and who it was presented to.
In WarBaby, Larry Ruth (the author) states that Inland's Wartime production also included Spark Plug Terminal Seals, among many other items. Inland was a Division of General Motors as was AC Delco-Remy. Clearly a link there.

I don't know when or where he worked or what Dept he was VP in.
But checkout this site, Look closely you may see him!
Looks like a good site to dig around in.

Delco Remy Division - Moments in Time World War II

We have a Museum near me called the REO in Lansing, MI. Good source of WWII and Auto Co information there.

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777

[XXX1]

Fascinating information. Thanks for mentioning the name Delco-Remy. My grandfather (and father) lived in Anderson, Indiana which is where one of the main Delco-Remy plants was located. Looks like I have some homework to do.

[XXX1]

A few photos.

[PBI]

XC-43 J. T. Delancey, Anderson, Ind. 09-29-1944