M1 Carbine Second SN Stamping

[mdrim13]

Hello All,

Would anyone know why the serial number would be stamped on my M1 carbine in front of the rear sight as well as behind? I cant seem to find info on this or pictures of this on the forum or the internet. I have always assumed it was done to aid in seeing the number because it has the later type rear sight that makes it hard to see but this is just my assumption. It is obviously a hand stamp as it is not straight and one number is struck twice, one over the other. The number styling looks the same as the original serial number. Was this done in military service during a rebuild or something or did someone do this after the fact? Thanks.

mdrim13

Information

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[usgicollector]

Your assumption is correct. It was done to aid seeing the SN after the later type sight was installed. It was done during it's millitary service.

[mdrim13]

Why was this done on some and not others? Did it depend on the arsenal/period it was refinished? If so when and where did it take place?

mdrim13

[browningautorifle]

Like everything else in the military, it would be an opinion thing. One can't see the number and this is easy, the next can make out the number fine.

[Bruce McAskill]

The relocation of the serial number was listed in FM's post Korean war as well as before then. Depot maintenance was to restore the serial number on a carbine that the adjustable rear sight obscured by stamping it in front of the rear sight. While it was required to relocate the serial number very few were done. I think it was considered to be time consuming to do it and may have been put off as much as possible as not really needed.

[frankderrico]

My FM is out in the shop, but I seem to recall that there was a special stamping tool for the restamp that clamped to the receiver. Going to go and take a look.....Frank

[DaveHH]

FM said ALL will be counterbored, very few were. I think that some manufacturers placed the numbers a bit further forward than others. The manufacturer is sometimes VERY obscured under that sight. My 5.6 Winchester is almost impossible to read and it came with that sight.

Frank: Correct, the tool was locally produced and a lot of trouble for what little benefit gained. No wonder they lost interest quickly.
D

[frankderrico]

Dave, of all the carbines I have seen I have only seen one counter bored......Frank

[Bruce McAskill]

Frank, I have a Rock-Ola in the first serial number range that was counter bored. I think that it might have had a lot of cleaning rods down the muzzle. It still shoots quite well and unless one was to look for it they would not know it was done. And like you it's the only one I have seen counter bored so there were not many of them done for sure.

[DaveHH]

I would not let a counterbore bother me in the least. It would undoubtedly have a positive effect on shooting accuracy and actually should be a safeguard against cleaning rod damage by moving the critical rifling out of harm's way. Probably a great many low mile barrels were saved after being damaged by this method.