m1 Identification help

[softail817]

I have a carbine that was given to me by a friend who knows nothing about it's history, the probelm I am having is in trying to identify the manufacturer, this gun has no markings except for a cartouche on the top of the receiver just behind the fore grip, the mark looks like a round flower like pattern with an arrow going through it, there is a serial number but no other markings, who made it?...

Information

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[FTD1167]

Flower or Sunburst?
Give SN, just X-out last 3...

[BrianQ]

Howa Machinery in Japan

The symbol is that of the Thai Police.

[landtrain]

BrianQ is correct. It is most likely a Howa Machanery Corporation made for the Royal Thai Police. At last count, there were only 800 or so that made it through customes by the Old Sacromento Armory. If it is a complete HOWA Carbine it has considerable collector value. The rear sight is much larger than a GI sight. There is a small notch on the underside of the barrel to secure the bayonet lug in place. The barrel is unmarked. Parts are interchangable. If you can provide some photos thay would make ID much easier.

[softail817]

the cartouche is more of a sunburst and it does have a notch in the barrel where the lug would attach i tried attaching some pics, but says file to large. firearm is complete, if it is a howa what's it worth

[painter777]

Try looking here.
A site from a hard working member here,
HOWA M1 Carbine

hth
Charlie-painter777

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I always got a laugh out of their bayonet attachment.

[painter777]

Try posting pictures again. I'm curious at what the gang thinks it may be worth.

Charlie

[shadycon]

Solftail817;
Down size your pics before trying to post them. I downsize to 800x533 or 900x600 pixles.This work good for websites and e-mail. Nothing wrong with a Howa carbine

[Mizzouboy]

I gave US$450 for a Royal Thai Howa about 6 months ago in a pawnshop. It looked to be new out of the box; not a scratch on it, except bayonet lug was missing, which I now understand was common due to the import laws at the time. Stock was a bit on the heavy side like a fat M2. Bore was perfect. Rear sight is similar to the GI type 2, but a bit more "rounded". Shoots great. It's now my "shooter" carbine so the rest of the collection can rest peacefully.

Here's a good web site on Howa's: http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_Howa.html