Lot 218C: Excellent Plus Winchester Model M-1 Carbine Made In Mid-1944

Excellent Plus Winchester Model M-1 Carbine Made In Mid-1944. Serial number: 5661754, made in late spring of 1944.Caliber: .30 carbine. One of very best M-1 carbines the cataloger has seen among hundreds. Appears to be completely original with all Winchester or Winchester subcontractors marked components. Gun appears to be possibly unissued. Wood has about all original finish with no scratches and just several very minor crescent shaped tool marks on the left face of the stock . Metal is in 98% condition with just a few light rubs here and there. Bore is excellent and mirror bright and gun appears to be possibly unfired since bolt head retains most of its blue. There is a crisp Ordnance mark on the right face of the stock. In addition, to the right of this mark are the stamped letters WRA (Winchester Repeating Arms) and GHD (Guy H. Drewry, US Inspector 1930 – 1957). M-1 carbines that were actually issued to troops did not have these latter two markings. However, all finished carbines made after early 1944 were never issued because wartime demands had been met and they were kept in storage well into the post-war period. Thus, the superior condition of this weapon. In the years after the war they were then “checked and tested” and it is the cataloger’s opinion that the WRA and GHD markings were added at that time. Some of the parts marked with the “W” production mark are: recoil plate, magazine release, safety, barrel (also has W/P Winchester proof mark), trigger, trigger guard, stock, operating rod, bolt, and hammer. The handguard shows a part-circular tool mark that indicates that the workman tried to stamp a “W” but missed. The adjustable rear sight is marked “I. R. Co”, one of the sub-contractors used by Winchester. The initials “WJW” are very lightly inked on the underside of the forestock and quite possibly could be removed without damaging the finish. The correct sling is present, also marked “WJW”, plus an oiler and a G.I. issue dual magazine pouch marked 1943 and made by Hoff Manufacturing Company. One magazine in excellent condition is included marked “IW” for International Silver Company, a prime subcontractor for Winchester. A superb example for the World War II weapons collector.

Price Realized: $1,100

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