Researching My Carbine

[frankderrico]

He said his father got it in the '60's that makes it more like 40 years.
Didn't they trickle back until the mass return to the U.S. Army, then CMP?
If Bavarian then it should have some value.
So why would a return from Bavaria have more value than say Israel?
Just wondering out loud.....Frank

[Garandrew]

Israel was the suspected user..nobody knew for sure at that time..I bought it because it was a WRA under the 1st 100 made! Like SN 1,000,090..something like that..import stamp under barrel, type 1 stock, but it had a blackish coating..it had some upgrades, but early stock still

[frankderrico]

Do you remember if the stock was stamped?.....Frank

[Garandrew]

I dont remember any markings...

[frankderrico]

Thanks Andy, I ask because I have one in the 13,000 range in an unmarked I cut highwood Win. stock. Only stamp is the nunber 22 on the bridge.
I had herd that in the early going at Winchester some stocks were unmarked.....Frank

[Rickster]

Blackhawk - IBM did not produce that many carbines during the war. In fact they only produced them from Oct 1943 through May 1944. Your M1 was produced between Jan-Mar 1944.

I recommend picking up a copy of "Collecting The M1 Carbine III" by J. C. Harrison. It will help you with everything you ever wanted to know.

BTW - should you decide to part with it, please let me know!

[Rickster]

Blackhawk - I just re-read your post. The serial numbers are most likely from another country. M1s are not 'all matching' like most military weapons but rather 'original as manufactured' is the best you can hope for. IBM only produced three M1 components:
Receivers
Barrels
Slides

The other parts were manufactured by various subcontractors which were combined with the IBM parts and assembled at the IBM plant. Therefore, if all of the parts you listed have matching serial numbers, they were most likely added later. Ordnance inspectors did not care if the components 'matched.' What was important was that functioning carbines were completed as quickly as possible so they could be put in the hands of soldiers. The sharing of components was condoned by the Ordnance Department and was a common practice among the prime contractors.

[Blackhawk61]

Here are the photos. I hope these help with identification.

[BrianQ]

Bavarian

[Garandrew]

Theres your answer..I wonder if his 31 year story is true?