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  • Auction Catalog #79
  • Lot #1503
Lot #1502
Lot #1504

Lot 1503: Inland Division Semi-Automatic "Shop Model" Test M1 Carbine

Scarce World War II Inland Division Semi-Automatic "Shop Model" Test M1 Carbine Serial Number "EA 26"

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: June 6, 2020

Lot 1503: Inland Division Semi-Automatic "Shop Model" Test M1 Carbine

Scarce World War II Inland Division Semi-Automatic "Shop Model" Test M1 Carbine Serial Number "EA 26"

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: June 6, 2020

Estimated Price: $4,500 - $7,000
Price Realized:
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Scarce World War II Inland Division Semi-Automatic "Shop Model" Test M1 Carbine Serial Number "EA 26"

Manufacturer: Inland
Model: M1 Carbine
Type: Carbine
Gauge: 30 M1 Carbine
Barrel: 18 inch round
Finish: parkerized
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2680
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 350
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:

This is an example of an unusual early World War II Inland Division M1 Carbine that was manufactured by the General Motors Corp. The consignor has provided various pages from a reference book that note this specific example serial number "EA 26" as being manufactured as a "Shop Model" test carbine. The documents indicated that only a very small block of Inland M1 carbines manufactured in the "E" prefix serial number range were produced, with special funding guidelines from and monitored by Congress for testing purposes. These "E" series Shop Model carbines allowed the manufacturers to develop, design and produce modifications to the carbines and then submit them directly to Springfield Armory if they proved out. During the early stages of WWII, the General Motors Company used a variety of unusually numbered carbines as either experimental or prototype carbines, mostly within the "X" prefix. We did not find this specific serial number prefix; however, that doesn't mean its not legitimate. The receiver ring has the standard "U.S. CARBINE/CAL. 30 M1", and the rear of the receiver appears to be hand stamped "INLAND DIV/EA 26", behind the rear sight. The barrel marked "INLAND MFG. DIV/GENERAL MOTORS/4-43". The left side of the receiver is stamped with the larger "SG" indicating the receiver was manufactured by the Saginaw Steering Gear factory. It has the correct early features such as a flat blue bolt, flip rear sight, smooth face push button safety and magazine release, type 2, upright "INLAND" marked trigger housing with a "H" marked hammer. It is fitted with an early "I" cut high wood stock and early deep sight radius, two rivet handguard, both correctly "IO" marked. It is complete with a tan canvas sling, oiler and a blued five round magazine.

Rating Definition:

Very fine overall with 85% of the original finish remaining overall with thinning overall. The rear of the receiver does have a slightly different blued tone to the finish. The stock and handguard are both in fine condition with clear visible markings showing numerous light handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent. An interesting M1 carbine worth much more research.



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