This is an all original Presentation type M1 Carbine that was manufactured by the Underwood Elliott-Fisher Company that remains in its original condition. During the early days of WWII at the start of production, several companies that manufactured M1 Carbines for the military set aside/reserved a specific block of serial numbers usually with a letter prefix of an X, E or both, as preproduction examples or test models. Later at the end of WWII these serial number blocks were just used to present specific M1 Carbines to senior members of the military as well as Senior Executives or Corporate officials. This example is serial numbered "E 232" on the heel of the receiver denoting it was a presentation carbine. These carbines were assembled from left over military contract parts that used both early and late production parts and select stocks and handguard to make sure they not only looked good but functioned equally as well. It is estimated that approximately 50-100 carbines were manufactured by several companies, with the majority of the known examples manufactured by the Inland Division and Winchester Companies. This carbine has the standard "U.S. CARBINE/M1" markings on the front receiver ring with the rear area stamped "UNDERWOOD/E 232", and the barrel is uniquely unmarked. Type I barrel band with unmarked sling slot, flat top blue bolt, stamped and brazed trigger guard with smooth magazine catch and safety button, flat-bottom, low wood, pistol grip stock and two rivet handguard, oval cut oiler slot, "P-U" marking in the stock recess, and stamped checkered buttplate. "War Baby" by Larry L. Ruth discusses the rarity of Underwood Presentation Carbines.