Questions- Chrome plated M1A1 carbine

[Jefe]

Chrome plated M1A1 carbine- Stock cartouche postwar refurb by Augusta Arsenal (AAM).
Underwood receiver (ser # 2,844,XXX).
I believe that its an original mixmaster w/ bayonet lug and adjustable rear sight.
Came w/ one chrome USGI 15rd mag and one chrome USGI 30rd mag.
All parts chromed except springs and slide stop (park?).
Sharp rifling in barrel/ no pits etc. Unsure if interior of barrel is chromed.

Gas piston seized up- does not move. Used Kriol oil etc. Have not disassembled.
Other then that, all parts work.
Have not/ do not intend of firing.

I've done my homework as best I can- all parts markings are USGI. Stock/ folding buttplate all cartouched/ marked correctly.

No provenance.

Questions- any help appreciated.
1- Does chrome plating increase or decrease value?
2- There is a plus or minus 1/4 inch "M" on left side of pistol grip. Have not seen any explanation in my searches. --Does anyone know what it means?--

Thanks,

Information

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[lboos]

How about some pic's ?

[cali201]

Chrome plated M1A1 carbine-
All parts chromed except springs and slide stop (park?).
Sharp rifling in barrel/ no pits etc. Unsure if interior of barrel is chromed.

Gas piston seized up- does not move. Used Kriol oil etc. Have not disassembled.
Have not/ do not intend of firing.

1- Does chrome plating increase or decrease value? Thanks,

No question, it KILLS the value of the carbine. Piston sized up likley due to the chrome plating as well. If the stock has not been messed with (chromed) then that is where any value is, carbine is trash value wise unless you like bling.

[Jefe]

Thanks for responses.
roger on the gas piston being chromed and re value.

Yes, stock is also chromed.
Stock does have original leather and rivets.

I do like "pimp" guns,

Anyone any idea about the "M" on the left side of the pistol grip?

Thanks.

[cali201]

wonder if stock chrome can be removed and reparked? once in a while on fleabay original wire for the stock comes up for sale. They did not chrome the butt plate I hope. Need to see pics of the M

[shadycon]

I'm quite sure that the plating can be removed by a competent plating service and then reparked.

[browningautorifle]

Does chrome plating increase or decrease value?

As responded, chrome reduces the value to about zero. Even if refinished, it has little after.

[shadycon]

Strip-repark and make a shooter out of it!

[TDH]

If' in that receiver is an Underwood it's not a real M1A1. they were only made by Inland

[browningautorifle]

If' in that receiver is an Underwood it's not a real M1A1

Another reason to shoot it and enjoy.