Universal Carbine Serial Numbers

Owing to the scarcity of original M1A1 carbines, here are a few essential things for collectors to look out for. It should be noted that original un-rebuilt M1A1s are very rare and the vast majority of M1A1s on the market, have either reproduction or fake stocks. Also, since the war, many will have been rebuilt with later parts.

M1A1 Serial Numbers

Excellent Original WWII STANDARD PRODUCTS US M1.30 Caliber CARBINE serial number 2211087Correct Grade Restoration with M1 Carbine Data Sheet listing its partsThis is part of a fine collection of US M1 Carbines that were carefully restored to correct grade by the collector and several have been published years ago in the Carbine Club newslettersCheck my web site for more weapons from this collectionAvailable for examination in my store By Appointment. The serial number was placed on the carbine receiver during the manufacturing process of the receiver, not when the carbine was finally assembled. The decision for which receivers would be used for the U.S. Carbine Models M1 or M1A1, and some of the M2's, were made well after the receiver was completed as all of these models used the same receiver. Description: LOOKS UNFIRED this is a UNIVERSAL 30 cal M1 carbine w/pin/lever with ball on top (below rear sight), for locking slide back & bolt open. Ser# 360216 Comes with sling, oiler and adjustable rear sight. Interesting US Carbine copy, using Military mags. Comes with 30 round OR 15 round mags, Your CHOICE. Generally, serial numbers below 20,000 are the most desirable guns and some knowledgeable people consider serial number 25,000 as the end of generation-1 guns. The 'published' point for the end of generation-1 guns is serial number 100,000, but you could wind-up with a generation-2 gun starting after number 94,000.

Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors was the only manufacturer of the M1A1 and manufactured approximately 140,000 by the close of the war. The M1A1 was manufactured in two main production runs, both of approximately 70,000. The first was produced and delivered from late 1942 through until October 1943. M1A1s produced during this run will have early production features, such as flip sights, type 1 barrel bands, high wood etc.

The second production run, started in April 1944 and finished at the end of 1944. M1A1s produced during the beginning of the second run, will have the same characteristics as the first run, but towards the end of the run, will have features typical of a late M1, such as low wood, adjustable sights and even type 3 barrel bands at the very end of the run.

There are no actual records kept for M1A1 serial numbers and so unfortunately there is no specific way to identify if an M1A1 is original from the serial number alone. Heroes of might and magic 5 mac download. Also, during an Arsenal re-fit, M1s produced by other manufacturers could be fitted to M1A1s.

In personally examining real examples both in hand and from pictures, I have noted some of the serial numbers and barrel dates used.

There are many details, but here are the main things to look at:-

Manufacturer

Universal 30 Cal Carbine Serial Numbers

All originals are manufactured only by the Inland Division of General Motors.

M1A1 Stock

All original M1A1s are made of walnut. Any other wood is wrong. Also, check out the shape and angles around the cut away for the folding stock. Fake or reproduction stocks often get this wrong.

The Pistol Grip

The side or back of pistol grip, should have a “P” proof mark, either circled or un-circled, indicating that the gun has been test proof fired.

The underside of the pistol grip should have a marking of OI and a crossed cannons emblem.

Universal Carbine Serial Numbers Lookup

The Stock – barrel channel

Universal Carbine Serial Numbers

There should be an OI stamped on the inside of the barrel channel. The OI stands for Overton Inland, who were the manufacturer of the stocks.

Universal Carbine Serial Numbers

The Butt Stock

In the butt-plate number B257614* should be cast with a logo of a sunburst in a circle completed by a drawing number between 3 and 12.

All metal on the stock should be parkarized and not blued.

The leather part of the folding stock should be of a very good quality and a dark brown, almost black colour. It is very common, to find the leather on the cheek pad missing.

Rivets used to attach the leather should be dull and not shiny. Brake lining rivets were used on re-builds, sometimes with a “7/4” marking. All original factory production were unmarked.

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