Inland 12-43 looking for info/insight

[ckcstewart]

OK guys, not sure where to post this but I'm sure an admin/mod will move it if I have inadvertantly stepped on any forum toes. My dad was stationed in Orlando from '58-'63 and our next door neighbor was a crusty old Marine who I called "Uncle Bill". Story is, he was at Iwo Jima and this was his Carbine. When we left, he gave/willed the carbine to me...I was 5 at the time. It has been sitting in closets/under beds ever since. I have maybe run a 100 rounds through it in the last 49 years. Shot great but it DOES NOT like soft stuff...jacketed is fine. A gunsmith said he could smooth it out so it would feed anything but I wouldn't let him touch it. I have never had this apart...kinda scared to. I have broken down everything else I've ever owned (even a nightmare Remington Nylon 66) but I didn't want to accidentally screw this one up. I'm thinking it may be time to pass it on to somebody who appreciates/lusts for their own "addiction". Problem is, I don't really know what I have. I tried to do my research on here but soon realized thet these things can get pretty confusing as to origin, authenticity, original completeness, etc... I finally figured if you guys argued about it every now and then, I didn't have a chance figuring it out myself (I've had so many car related disagreements with "experts" I couldn't begin to count...but its all for fun). I will try to post pics and will be glad to provide more if needed. Thanks for any info you may be able to provide. Pics don't post like I'm used to, I'll figure that out. So, until I can post pics, here goes. Barrel marked Inland MFG Div/General Motors/12-43 and a P further down, front sight has an N stamped in middle, top back of receiver is marked Inland Div and 3181161, stock has cannon and what looks like a P in a circle, old sling forearm bracket has UI stamped on it (oiler is there), rear flip peep sight has an S stamped on left side, barrel band has a 5 stamped on it. I have also posted this on another forum hoping to mine all the knowledge I can...wow that sounds kinda bad...didn't mean it that way.



the link should go to pics, then u can double click on individual pics for larger image....I think.[COLOR="black"]

---------- Post added at 08:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 PM ----------

Pictures by ckcstewart - Photobucket

I don't think its showing up as a link...may have to copy and paste. Obviously I'm not very good at this...sorry.
Chuck

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[sfdgunny]

That is a beautiful (It looks to me) all original Inland with a story to boot! I'd keep it, but I'm not you... If you do sell it, make sure the story goes with it.

[USGI]

Chuck, Welcome to the forum! Only thing that looks "wrong" to me is the oiler being installed upside down. If you want to pass it on to someone, I'd sure take it! Others will have a lot more details to offer for you. - Bob

[Bill Hollinger]

Chuck, welcome to Milsurps.com! You have a nice looking carbine there. Enjoy

[ckcstewart]

I've been informed that the "5" on the barrel band is probably a UI...I checked (WITH reading glasses on this time) and it is a "UI". Sorry for the misinformation.

[painter777]

Guys,
Wouldn't that be in the SG sub-contract receiver block?

Charlie-painter777

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Chuck,

Welcome to the carbine forum. You have a nice looking carbine. I might suggest hanging around some. You can use the search feature at the top of this page to find out information. And or ask question of the members. Pretty friendly group here. Also read some of the past posts and other posts as they are listed. You will be amazed at the information you will gather about your little piece of history. After all is said and done you might consider holding on to it and maybe passing it down to a family member.
And we do have a little fun here too. Bob beat me to it, I was going to tease you about the upside down oiler also. I do have a few questions. Could you take closer pictures of each side of the base on the rear leaf sight. I think I see marks, maybe from installing or replacing, but it could just be my old eyes. Also I noticed a D clip sling. Appears khaki in color. Are there any marking on it?
There are quite a few carbine guys in Alabama. You might want to ask if someone would think about getting together with you. Maybe break it down, show you how to do it. Just a suggestion.
If you do decide to sell it. We have a for sale page that you could list it on. WTS (Want to Sell) Forum
We do not allow selling items on the information sharing forums. You will get some idea of value from folks here. You could also check places like gunbroker to see what they are selling for.
My feeling is unless you need the money, that is worth keeping.
I hope you enjoy the forum, we love to see carbine pictures.

Jim

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Yes. But Chuck mentions he hasn't taken it down. So maybe hasn't looked/seen if it is marked on the receiver.
Jim

Guys,
Wouldn't that be in the SG sub-contract receiver block?

Charlie-painter777

[carbineone]

Take this for what it is worth but my Ruth book puts that Inland serial number in the April of 44' manufactuer date. Also I think a N front sight would be National Postal Meter and I do not know if Inland would have used a NPM front sight. Take that for what it is worth also. It needs to be broke down and looked at by someone or more info provided to make a better assesment. Still looks like a nice Inland however..Goodluck finding the info you desire...Buttplate sure looks to be late Inland type..Thanks

[usgicollector]

The front sight is inland and the gun was most likely made in 12-43 or 1-44. The N marked front sights were made by niedner. The ones for NPM made by them were marked NN