This early production Inland M1A1 Carbine, serial number 91068, is part of the first grouping of 70,000 M1A1s manufactured by Inland between late October 1942 to December 1943, with serial numbers found between approximately 65000-4950000, per the chart on page 709 of the book "Comprehensive Guide to the M1 Carbine" by Roger C. Larson. Most of the early M1A1 Carbines were issued to the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, and few early production M1A1 Carbines survived in their original configuration like this example. This Inland M1A1 Carbine has all of the desirable early features including the high wood stock stamped with an encircled "P" proof mark on the rear, early pattern handguard with wide sighting groove stamped with "IO" and the ordnance bomb on the underside, barrel marked "INLAND MFG. DIV./GENERAL MOTORS/11-42" in three lines behind the rear sight, "N" front sight, "S" L-flip rear sight, unmarked type I barrel band, "UP" sling swivel, "PI" operating rod, "INLAND" in a banner on the right of the milled trigger housing, "HI" hammer, "RI" sear, unmarked checkered push button safety, "W-I" magazine release with serrated face, Du-Lite finish, receiver has the model designation on the chamber and "INLAND DIV./91068" on the heel, the inside of the butt plate has the proper casting number and symbols, and the leather cheek pad cover is secured with three hollow steel rivets. The carbine is complete with an "I.I." marked Inland magazine, "I.I." Inland oiler, tan canvas web sling and a reproduction U.S. canvas paratrooper jump case. Note: This item is restricted under various state-level assault weapons bans and cannot be sold or transferred to residents of CA, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, NJ, NY, and WA. Please check your local laws and regulations prior to bidding.

Very fine. The barrel, receiver and trigger guard retain 70% of the faded original parkerized and Du-Lite finish, the flat bolt has 90% of the original blue, and the receiver and barrel markings are sharp. The wire buttstock has most of the original parkerized finish with the balance fading to a brown patina, and the leather cheek piece is fine. The stock and handguard are fine with moderate handling wear, scattered dents and handling marks, the proof mark on the end of the stock is faint, and the markings on the bottom of the pistol grip have been worn away by the wire buttstock. Mechanically excellent. This is a fine example of a scarce original early production M1A1 Carbine Paratrooper.