First M1 carbine purchased?

[Dave-In-Maine]

My dad actually bought it. 1976, $100. Unknown to us at the time, it is an un-restored, unmolested, all-original 1943 Underwood (barrel date) with B-code receiver and all early parts. I was bummed that it had the goofy flip sight on it, but he was able to have the gunshop he bought it from put on the "cool" bayonet lug barrel band. Somehow, we intuitively knew that it would be good to keep the original band, and it lived for 26 years first in the gun parts box, then attached to the carbine with a twist-tie. Had it professionally re-installed a few years ago..................Phew!!!!!!!