Early Inland

[dbarn]

We can only speculate unfortunately. Perhaps it was done by the returning vet. It does however appear to have been done a very long time ago and by someone who more than likely had done this before and had knowledge of what they were doing. Interesting that the leaf is missing. Either lost, or someone wanted a fast target acquisition.

Information

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[BrianQ]

Possible sanitized 'black ops' gun since he was a pilot, perhaps involved in secret missions?

That would be the dime store spy novel theory.

[INLAND44]

That would be the dime store spy novel theory.

Originally posted 'tongue-in-cheek'.

After reviewing the pictures, I believe you have a USGI carbine on which the receiver has been cleaned of the original markings (and very well done - very smooth). I would have serious concerns about having possession of a gun with no serial number, which is a Federal offense. If you can find a USGI receiver with markings, I would use that to make the gun over and use the unmarked one for an artificial reef in the nearest body of water.

Disclaimer: I didn't see any markings on the sides of the receiver, but if it's really a commercial receiver with a hidden serial number? I guess it would then be legal.

[apothegm]

Wow - good news! Thank you all for your replies and insight. I like the 'black ops' theory but never got the impression from the relatives that the pilot claimed it was his personal weapon. I think it was assumed that he had gotten it from a retuning GI in trade for a carton of cigarettes, a $10 bill or something equally unromantic, and that as a pilot he just had more opportunity to squeak things in and out unobserved.

I'm sorry about the rear sight - I hadn't cleaned it yet and did not re-install before taking the pictures.

I've added pictures of the rear sight, the stock and the hammer. If there are others desired, please let me know

Picasa Web Albums - PeteLuckel

If the carbine is what it appears to be, I would like to get it into the hands of someone who appreciates its history and will take care of it. If it has some monetary value perhaps it will help finance my next handgun purchase. Any suggestions on finding an interested collector?