1942 Original issue Paratrooper

[ltcnav]

New member, be kind. First post.
Good friend, no internet access, has an M1A1 paratrooper. Had the "military guns experts" at the local gun club look it over. They had the books, the form, etc. Back story is friends Dad was a Chief in the Navy, assigned to a destroyer, was issued this gun on board, kept it in his locker for the duration-how it got back to the states is unknown(duffle bag?), gave to my friend(son) has had it ever since.
I know for a full scale eval, will need all the info, pics, etc. For now, a general question. the locals all feel it is as issued, barrel and receiver marked Inland, serials indicate date as Nov-Dec 1942 for both, general characteristics are sound-right rear sight, no bayo lug, right markings. The general question is, I can see asking prices/selling prices on all the normal internet sites. However, all that I can find are dated 1944. Would the 1942 date add any significant value over the 1944 ones?
Thanks

Information

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[martin08]

For a moment, I would ask, take a deep breath.

And once you've stepped back and away from the aspiration of riches, it might be possible to appreciate the treasure. There was much excitement, I'm sure, with the books and the folks at the club who inspected this gun. The research is often rewarding when all the ducks get into the row, and a true relic can be identified and defined.

But hold it for a moment in your hands, and then a moment extra. Understand that these models were in the hands of the Paratroopers who landed past the beaches of France in June of '44. And for the men who were charged to use them, or perish at the hands of the Facist war machine. For those, like the men with carbines and grit, we are able to post on this forum today - in freedom. We owe a lot to the tools of war, and deliverance may be felt in the grasp on the walnut, leather and steel.

Yes, the '42 Inland is a treasure, and it's not all to be measured in dollars. Thanks for giving that some thought.

Now, post up some detailed pics! We all appreciate these gems. And I'm sure that you can get an appraisal or two along the way, as well

Welcome..

[cali201]

local "experts" scare me.....let's see some pictures. Of the stock we need to see the printing on the butt plate, any letters or marks/symbols on the stock. The bulk of the value will be in the stock as Inlands are common and any Inland could have been dropped into the stock at the time it was made. We need to also see pictures of both sides of the stock as well. Close ups of the rear sight, barrel band, etc. Best to put pics on a host site like IMGUR or photobucket (I hate photobucket) and post the link to the album here.

[martin08]

Agreed.

High resolution photos, taken in ample natural light (not in direct sun), of all the marks will be needed to move forward with any potential evaluation. As it stands, and even with the local expert opinion, the value range for the gun could be from $700 for a poor conditioned clone, to several thousand dollars for a good conditioned original.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

ltcnav,

Welcome to the Milsurps forum. And for a first post you have a very nice carbine to talk about.

You can look at back posts or threads on M1A1's from this site using the search feature. Already a few members are looking forward to seeing photo's. Some areas to get photo's have been mentioned. Others would be the right side of the stock, to see high or low wood. The bottom of the grip. And the leather piece and rivets.

Enjoy the forum and will be looking for your pictures.

Jim

[Bruce McAskill]

What is the serial number range of your carbine?

[INLAND44]

Yes, that is the first question that has to be answered. There is a block of numbers that can be correct for an original early A1. Then the finishes and parts have to be reviewed for originality and condition. Next the wear and patina on all interfacing surfaces have to be examined to determine if those parts have been together since 'day one'. This includes where the metal and stock interact. If it turns out to be right and in nice condition, it would be a very valuable find. In the meanwhile, don't do anything to it and don't shoot it.

[Bill Hollinger]

Yes ltcnav, welcome to the site. If you have difficulty posting photos please feel free to PM me and we will get your pictures up on the forum. And, I am anxious to see this carbine as well.

[ltcnav]

Hopefully this will end with pics. What I am trying to show is the following; On the handgrip butt is a crossed cannon cartouche, Receiver is marked Inland, serial no is 851xx, on the rear site,left side is an "S"with a dash, the barrel is marked, "Inland Mfg Div, second line is General Motors, third line is"11-42".
[IMG][/IMG]

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Very nice looking. High wood stock?