Ever seen a Win housing marked here?

[tenOC]

This is on an all original, very early Win I had my hands on. Haven't noticed one marked like this before.

Information

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[P51Mustang]

I have seen various marks like this. Each manufacturer did their own thing.

[tenOC]

Specific to Winchester is the topic. I found a couple of other early examples with similar locations and it appears very early Win was doing something that they didn't do for the rest of production. This one is also unique having so many unmarked parts, meaning no W stampings. The barrel, extractor and hand guard are the only ones marked. The barrel band and front sight are a surprise too.

[jimb16]

Usually use letters, but now and then you find a number. They are usually centered.

[tenOC]

Yeah, and I didn't notice it until I shot the picture. The K on the shelf was the first thing I noticed but then found I've owned with similar sorta markings one for a few years.

[GotSnlB28]

I noticed the same, but centered, '12' marked win housing on a recent GB auction, check 852924464. Rifle not of all original pedigree but housing mark should be legit.

[tenOC]

Yep, there it is. If the housing is original to that one or at least to the serial range, then the number was being moved to the center area (less prone to bending the catch area) and the letter on the shelf to the left was deleted.

I guess we won't know on that particular Carbine since it's poorly corrected. Looks like it had a bayo lug and the front sight was definitely removed. Crater from adjustable sight is there too. Repop rear sight.

The one I pictured has one of these rear sights.

[Bruce McAskill]

Well you made me check mine in the 70,000 range. The number is 7 and on the shelf it's the letter U. I am thinking final inspection number and letter for final machinist maybe?

[tenOC]

The first posting is of a type I housing. Here's a believed original 1.049 mil with type II housing (blued).
The other is just a type II group with dogleg, long face catch and unmarked safety. Orig group.
I can't get to anything else easily.

[Sunray]

"...an all original..." There's no such thing as an "all original" M1 Carbine. Winchester only made 15 of the parts including the receiver. Everybody and his brother all over the eastern U.S.made Carbine parts. Most of 'em didn't use any marks.
Go here and scroll way down to the bottom and read the 'Worth Noting' paragraph. All the menu links work too.
The U.S. Caliber .30 Carbines