M2 carbine stock markings

[gunsdora]

Would any one know what the marking K in a cercel & # 7 next to it in the sling well. The stock is a M2 marking OI in the sling well & a cross cannon on the right side of the stock. The stock is a Inland. But the K in the cercle & # 7 is ???. I cant find ho had that marking. Thanks for any info.

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Information

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[browningautorifle]

Bill Ricca has previously stated that he believed this is a Korean marking. Make sense too.

[painter777]

Bill Ricca has previously stated that he believed this is a Korean marking. Make sense too.

BAR,
Could you show us where Mr. Ricca said that?

Gunsdora,
The links below will show 1 main theory as to the stock maker, but as of now not yet proven.

There have been examples brought to attention being marked with OI and Inland size CC, but no proof that they were indeed used by Inland or accepted by Ordnance.


https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=9343


http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=27605


Circled M-2 stock, eho made? - CMP Forums


stock id? - CMP Forums


stock markings - CMP Forums

Repaired M2 stock

HTH,
Charlie-painter777

[browningautorifle]

BAR,
Could you show us where Mr. Ricca said that?

Here Charlie... strange markings on a m1 carbine stock - M14 Forum

[deldriver]

Here Charlie... strange markings on a m1 carbine stock - M14 Forum

That was posted in 2005 I think, the thread on this site was from 2010...maybe he found additional information.

---------- Post added at 03:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:17 PM ----------

Exactly,

If Circle K (possibly Keystone) is the maker of the stock.....
Why would it have the SE Overton marking in the slingwell?

CH-P777

I have no idea. Again, the subject was brought up over on Gun Hub and there was an OI marking in the slingwell, along with the K in a circle. I am not trying to say anything definitely, just wondering about the possibility. Of course, maybe it's been played with too.

[deldriver]

I thought Bill said the circle in a K stock could be from Keystone Manufacturing. It's the OI that has me more intrigued though. I did a little online research and found a thread over on Gunhub where a similar stock was discussed. It also had the K in a circle (different number I think) and the OI marking. OP, is there a mark on top of the barrel channel? Some Overton stocks have a funny looking symbol there.

[painter777]

It's the OI that has me more intrigued though.

Exactly,

If Circle K (possibly Keystone) is the maker of the stock.....
Why would it have the SE Overton marking in the slingwell?

CH-P777

[painter777]

Thank You BAR,
I see it,
he must have changed his view.
But Kudos to you.....

Just can't see the Koreans having access to American Walnut.......... You?

Del,
I can't explain the OI/CC markings.

I've spent hours/days reading thru Library of Congress trying to find contract info for Keystone Manufacturing and also Keystone Wood Toy (as they were known during WWII and only the 'Toy' made wood items at this time. No luck........... gives me a headache!

[USGI]

I have a couple of WWII '03 and '03-A3 Remington rifles, and while doing research on them I recall finding information (somewhere) about "K in a circle" Keystone stocks having been used - maybe as replacements. Sorry, can't remember the reference, but I'll see if I can find any notes. - Bob

I've never read the book on Overton stocks, but wonder if during the walnut shortage, they may have bought any stocks directly from Keystone and then added the OI stamp?

[painter777]

Wondering myself if Circle K provided some stocks to SE Overton/Inland. Maybe the number stamp meant something, like shipment number??
That would explain the CC also.
Just seems like enough of these Circle K/OI/CC stocks have shown up over the years to rule out all of them being faked.


Did find this ole WTS post from CMP, where Hammonje was selling full boxes of o3a3 type C stocks and hand guards.
Wonder if he'd have any packing lists with company address ?
Maybe traceable contract numbers.
I passed along a PM to him to see if there may be any paper trail?

WTS USGI Keystone C-stocks - CMP Forums