This is an exceptional, as issued, late WWII M1 carbine manufactured by the Inland Division of General Motors Corp. featuring the scarce and desirable "hand stamped" receiver. Manufactured late in M1 carbine production concurrently with the first M2 automatic carbines, these “hand stamped” receivers were machine stamped with "M" and the number left blank so "1" or "2" could be hand stamped later in production based on need. M1/M2 hand stamped receivers fall in the 6629884 to 7234883 serial number range and, compared to overall production, make up a small percentage of M1 receivers. It was sold as a personal carbine by a station supply officer in February 1946 by an ordnance station. This is virtually unheard of as the U.S. government was not routinely selling weapons directly to 2nd lieutenants in 1946. This sale is documented by the actual Property Issue Slip (sales/release) to 2nd Lieutenant Sebastian R. Hafer. This included form lists the carbine by serial number and the sale date as February 1946 for the sum of 64 pesos (shipped from the Philippines). After this sale, Hafer evidently shipped the carbine home to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in a simple pine box, presumably built by an armorer, and it has remained there until being sold. This original pine shipping box is included and has the full white painted home address and APO label on the lid and the postage stamps still affixed in the upper right corner. The M1 Carbine itself is in absolutely like new, as issued condition showing all the very late war features such as a milled rear sight, type three barrel band, blued round bolt assembly, milled trigger guard, push button safety, and the "M" marked M1 magazine release. The walnut stock is correctly (double) stamped with the Ordnance Dept. crossed cannon cartouche on the left side and "IO" in the sling slot. It also has its original four-rivet walnut handguard. As stated, the receiver has the desirable and scarce hand stamped “1” which is located to the right of the receiver ring markings. The heel of the receiver is marked “INLAND DIV./6747652." The barrel is marked "INLAND MFG. DIV./GENERAL MOTORS/1-45." It is complete with one blued "K.I." stamped 15-round magazine and also comes with a period score book hand marked “S.R. HAFER.”

Excellent plus, as issued condition with 99% of the original GI blue/parkerized finish overall. The only real wear is some minor blue loss on the top of the bolt body from the action being hand cycled. The stock and handguard are both in the same excellent plus condition with nice, original, dark oil finished, medium walnut color. The pine shipping box is also in excellent condition and has all of the original label and markings still distinct. It is quite amazing that this carbine and box have remained together for all these years in all original unissued condition. A true collector's find!