Manufactured in October of 1942, this is an exceptionally rare example of a "first day" production serial number "1000501", World War II Winchester M1 Carbine, and a milestone in that it is the 500th production example made by Winchester! The early carbines of any producers are extremely rare, as most went out and saw significant service use and were then rebuilt numerous times. This example has been restored using all the very early configured parts. It has the rare early Type I receiver with the two small machining holes on the right side rail. The receiver also has the early square rear milled area with the single takedown notch and the narrow rear tang. "WINCHESTER/TRADEMARK/1000501" marked on the rear of the receiver. "L" marked blade front and "S" marked Type I flip-up rear sight, undated Winchester barrel with flaming bomb proof, Type I barrel band, Type I milled trigger guard marked with a semi-circle on the right and "S" underneath, Type I unmarked serrated pushbutton safety, "W" magazine catch, "W" hammer, "W" operating rod and "W" blued finish flat top bolt. Early high wood stock with "W.R.A./G.H.D." behind crossed cannons cartouche on the right of the buttstock, and early unmarked two-rivet handguard. "CoCoSo/100" carved into the "IW" marked 15-round magazine. Includes a reproduction tan canvas sling. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Very fine as reconverted back to World War II configuration with 97% arsenal refurbished green parkerized finish and some light handling marks. Magazine retains 90% original blue finish with scattered scratches and carving as mentioned above. Stock is very fine with a nice deep dark Winchester red color overall with some scattered light dents, a few scattered minor chips, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. As the 500th production Winchester M1 Carbine, this would make a prized addition to any U.S. Military collection!