Underwood Barrel Marking

[imarangemaster]

Probably an Israeli arsenal mark, maybe 'Aleph', with a date of 7-61. We had furnished many carbines to them in the post-war period.

My Mash Az Underwood had a Hebrew character just like that. I don't remember if it had any numerals.

[painter777]

IRM,
Here's the link to your Hebrew marking.
I don't see anything similar on Patricks.

CH-P777

Israeli proof marks?

[imarangemaster]

I guess you are right Charlie. What I had was more like an open on top "4".

[Patrick Chadwick]

Thanks to all for for the suggestions! I will follow them up and report back with a couple of pics - probably tomorrow.

[Bruce McAskill]

Patrick have you checked for proof marks from Belgium? Just a thought as they also had a few carbines and the time frame would be right too.

[Patrick Chadwick]

have you checked for proof marks from Belgium

I checked right through Wirnsberger and out the other side before starting this topic. I have fished around in Italian sources. If I simply google for 30M1 and IA I get Inland ! With AI I get Accuracy International ! In other words, I haven't a clue.

[Patrick Chadwick]

By moving the barrel around in various lighting conditions, I was finally able to make out that the date is 2-44.
What had fooled me was the 2 being broken up by the turning marks on the barrel. I do not have the equipment to photograph it, but under an eyeglass you can see that the effect is somewhat like this:

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which is what led me to falsely identify a 1 and an illegible 2nd figure.

And now "By popular request", some photos.

General view, left.
Attachment 38462
General view, right.
Attachment 38460
Receiver top view.
Attachment 38461
Open action.
Attachment 38463
Connoisseurs will note the blob of plasticine used to hold the backsight in a position between two "click" marks. I prefer using tricks like this to irreversible operations like filing down the foresight, as experience has shown that if you change the load it is very difficult to file the blade "up" again!

[frankderrico]

Patrick, now that is a great idea. I never liked the thought of filing the front sight, but I can understand the need to do it by a soldier. For us shooters the plastic saves the sight for sure. Thanks for the tip.....Frank

[Patrick Chadwick]

To make it look better, I need some parkerized plasticene!