A seldom seen example of a World War II era Inland Division presentation grade M1 Carbine that was manufactured by the Inland Division of General Motors Corp. During the start of M1 Carbine production, the General Motors Inland Division designated a specific block of serial numbers that were intended to be used as experimental receivers. At the end of the war, these "X" prefix serial number blocks were built up as presentation gifts for senior members of the military and executives within the General Motors Corporation. It is estimated that approximately 100 of the "X" serial numbers were set aside, with only a handful of other examples having come through Rock Island Auction in the past, making any example highly sought after by advanced collectors. Features a "10-43" dated Inland barrel, winged blade front and two-position flip peep rear sights, type II barrel band, "IO" flat top bolt, "PI" type V slide, "INLAND" milled trigger housing, "HI" hammer, "R.I." marked sear, serrated trigger shoe, unmarked push button safety, and "EI" magazine release. Fitted with a smooth, highly figured, walnut high wood stock with "IO" marked inside the sling cutout, topped off with a "IO" marked deep groove, two rivet handguard. A piece of tape in the channel of the stock is marked "US-M1-X97-THIS GUN IS/THE PROPERTY OF/MAJOR LEON E. SMITH USA/INF. RET. 4 CANNOT BE SOLD". This example correctly lacks any U.S. Government acceptance proofs. Includes an "AI" marked magazine, web sling, and oiler.

Excellent as embellished and built up by General Motors Inland Division as a presentation grade M1 Carbine, retaining 97% plus high gloss blue finish with softened receiver and barrel markings, minor spotting/brown patina on the rear sight assembly, plum coloration to the trigger housing, and limited minor handling marks. The stock is also excellent as varnished with attractive grain and limited handling evidence. Mechanically excellent. It would be difficult to improve on a presentation grade M1 Carbine such as this!