Correct slide for underwood?

[Bufordm1]

What would be the correct slide for my 2,468,5xx "W" code underwood? I would guess type 3, but not sure. Also wondering if the type 1A band marked Ul, would be correct? This is a CMP service grade I got last year at the s.store and think maybe that the band, although real, may not be original.

Riesch's table shows all Underwood bands as unmarked. Lists the Ul bands as being found on Inland, Quality, and National Postal Meter. I'm not going to change a thing on the carbine, as I want it left in the condition it was in at last arsenal. But still curious about those two parts.

Thanks for any information.

Information

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[painter777]

I've got a W code Underwood 2,482,984.
Bought it from Eddy Yuja, he was sure other than the stock (SA) that it was in original condition.
Has a Type IV slide marked .U. in a circle. The Type I band is unmarked with 3 weld spots on top in a slightly triangular pattern. It was missing the swivel and screw.
I feel the Underwood 3-44 dated barrel is original to this one. The date is stamped so light that I can't really make out the second 4 in 44. Same with the W on the receiver.... you can barely see it. I know the barrel date seems late per the serial number, but it shows even wear to the other parts.
Knowing that Underwood was building their 2 mil and 4 mil serial blocks more or less at the same time.
Finding a UI marked band doesn't seem impossible to me. They must have been in a building frenzy at that time.

Could you pass along your barrel date?

Charlie-painter777

[Bufordm1]

Charlie,

Thanks for the info on your W Underwood. Mine also has lighter stamped Underwood barrel date and "w", but can easily make them out. The barrel is dated 1-44. Has no type 3 barrel band shadow so I assume original. The band also has three welds, but pretty much in a straight line. From what you say, your barrel sure appears original.Would be helpful to see more examples, data sheet info for dates.

As for slides, wondering if this was near the overlap time period, transition from type 3 to 4. Maybe we'll hear from more Underwood W code owners.

[painter777]

What about your frt sight?
look like its ever been removed?

Charlie

[Bufordm1]

the "front sight".

Glad you asked. Curious about it as well. Can't tell if it's ever been removed, but it certainly could have been. No scratch/friction marks on barrel or indentations from puller tool. It is a type 1 with no manufacture code. Has a milled groove in front of the sight blade...in the same area where a winchester thumb nail marking would be. Is staked/marked similar to a rock-ola, but the stake line not quite as long overall. This sight is identical to the original front sight on my Bavarian Forestry Police NPM service grade w/flip.

Both the same milled front sight, both unmarked.

[PBI]

E-279

[painter777]

the "front sight".

Glad you asked. Curious about it as well. Can't tell if it's ever been removed, but it certainly could have been. No scratch/friction marks on barrel or indentations from puller tool. It is a type 1 with no manufacture code. Has a milled groove in front of the sight blade...in the same area where a winchester thumb nail marking would be. Is staked/marked similar to a rock-ola, but the stake line not quite as long overall. This sight is identical to the original front sight on my Bavarian Forestry Police NPM service grade w/flip.

Both the same milled front sight, both unmarked.

Same groove on your sight like in picture #24 in this auction?
Also noticed this carbine has a UI marked band........ but it's a repro.
WWII Underwood M1 Carbine 30 cal All Original : Curios and Relics at GunBroker.com


Would be a Saginaw SG frt sight. Don't know if they ever sent any to Underwood.

Charlie-painter777

[Bufordm1]

Yes, thats the sight... Saginaw SG. Looking in War Baby for components integrated to underwood shows nothing from Saginaw SG. So, for some reason, my underwood probably had the band and front sight swapped out(damaged?) in an arsenal. Most likely during the war before the later type bands became standard. Otherwise they would have put the later version on. Or, if it's an Italian return, and needed repair while in Italy, maybe that's all they had for parts?

Anyways, it is what it is, and it's always nice having another carbine with a real type 1 band and no barrel shadow. I also checked out NPM's subcontracors for Saginaw SG front sights. Shows there were about 8,000 sights sent to NPM in '43. So my NPM Bavarian front sight is probably the correct original Saginaw made sight.

Been said before, if only these guns could talk... what history would be uncovered.

[painter777]

Either way........it's nice having the early collectible parts.
Sounds like you did very well,

Cheers,
Charlie-painter777

P.S. I've been tempted to have a good friend who lives near the south store stop in and see if he can find and hand pick a late NPM or Stan Pro for me.