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  • Auction Catalog #4090
  • Lot #130
Lot #129
Lot #131

Lot 130: "Jay" Banks' Presentation Upgraded Inland M1 Carbine

Documented Presentation Upgraded World War II Inland M1 Semi-Automatic Carbine Owned by Captain E.J. Banks of the Texas Rangers as Used in the Famous Killings of the Notorious Criminals Gene Paul Norris and "Bill" Humphrey

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Lot 130: "Jay" Banks' Presentation Upgraded Inland M1 Carbine

Documented Presentation Upgraded World War II Inland M1 Semi-Automatic Carbine Owned by Captain E.J. Banks of the Texas Rangers as Used in the Famous Killings of the Notorious Criminals Gene Paul Norris and "Bill" Humphrey

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Estimated Price: $8,000 - $12,000
Price Realized:
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Documented Presentation Upgraded World War II Inland M1 Semi-Automatic Carbine Owned by Captain E.J. Banks of the Texas Rangers as Used in the Famous Killings of the Notorious Criminals Gene Paul Norris and "Bill" Humphrey

Manufacturer: Inland
Model: M1 Carbine
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 30 Carbine
Barrel: 18 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 3180
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 112
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:

Originally manufactured during World War II, this Inland M1 carbine was already an iconic firearm. This example however, was subsequently upgraded after the war by an unknown craftsman for presentation to the legendary Texas Ranger, captain E.J. "Jay" Banks. In an included copy of a Texas Department of Public Safety letter signed by Banks, he lists this rifle by serial number, describing it as well as the presentation plaque affixed to the stock. The plaque is engraved with "CUSTOM MADE/FOR/E.J.BANKS/TEXAS RANGERS" In the previously mentioned letter, Banks states that this rifle was carried by him on many occasions, including when he played a pivotal roll in the slaying of the notorious criminals Gene Paul Norris and William "Bill" Carl Humphrey. On 29 April 1957, Norris and Humphrey were carrying out a dry run of a bank heist they planned to carry out the following day. The two outlaws noticed a police car following them at some point and turned around in an attempt to lose their tail. It is believed that Banks was in the car initially following the criminals. Two other police cars joined the fray and the chase was on, at times exceeding 100 mph. Eventually Norris and Humphrey attempted to turn onto a country road and lost control on the loose gravel, colliding with a tree. The two attempted to flee the vehicle, firing at Banks and the other officers the whole way. They were pursued on foot and eventually caught at a stream where they were both brought to an end in a hail of gunfire, Norris reportedly shot 28 times, and Humphrey 23. In the previously mentioned letter, Banks states that he fired this rifle at the two outlaws 26 times. The World War II era Inland carbine was reblued in high gloss, with many of the original government contract markings still visible. It is fitted with a blade front sight with protective wings and an elevation and windage adjustable peep rear sight. It has been mounted in a Mannlicher style stock with floral carved and gilt filled grip areas, a prominent cheek piece on which the previously mentioned plaque is mounted, and a serrated hard rubber buttplate.

Rating Definition:

Very good as presentation upgraded, retains 95% plus of the period applied blue finish with some scattered light handling marks and a few patches of faint pitting beneath the finish. The wood is fine with a few minor cracks and chips in the upper wrist, some scattered minor dings and scratches, and the carving remaining crisp. Mechanically excellent. A chance to own the gun carried by Texas Ranger Jay Banks when he brought two notorious fugitives to justice!



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