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   LOT 548
Rare Experimental Underwood M1 Carbine Serial Number
“E101” with Sliding Prototype Buttstock and Concealed Flip-Up Blade - Serial no. E101, 30 Carbine cal.,
18 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock. This is a unique example of an experimental/prototype M1 Carbine that was manufactured by the Underwood Elliott-Fisher Company. This is possibly the only one of its kind ever manufactured. It features a “sliding” recoil absorbing type buttstock design, although it appears to be incomplete and is missing the actual buttstock itself. There is a large cheek piece located on the left of the receiver that has a built
in spring loaded system in which the missing buttstock section would use a recoil absorber (functions similar to LOT 545 in this same auction) that also
acts as a shield to conceal a flip-up blade that can be folded out to face rearwards and function as a bayonet. Throughout World War II, several of the Defense Companies produced numerous experimental type carbines based on the wartime needs of the U.S. Military. They usually 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. Some concepts were acted on while others never left the prototype phase and did not make it to production. This example is serial numbered “E101” on the heel of the receiver, denoting it as an experimental carbine. These carbines were usually assembled from military contract parts and used both early and late production parts, with some bearing proofs while others were unproofed. It is estimated that approximately 50-100 of these various experimental carbines were manufactured by several companies, with the majority of the known examples manufactured by the Inland Division and Winchester Companies. The style of machining
and parts appear to be of original World War II era and original to the carbine. This carbine has the standard “U.S. CARBINE/
CAL .30 M1” markings on the front receiver ring with the rear area stamped “UNDERWOOD/E101”, and the barrel is marked
“UNDERWOOD/12-42/Flaming Ordnance Bomb”. It is fitted with an early type II barrel band without sling swivel, blued type
I flat bolt, early two-position flip rear sight marked “S” on the left side (hard to see), early all milled trigger housing with a
push button safety, low wood stock, two-rivet handguard stamped with an “M” on the underside. The magazine is blued and
marked “O SG” on the spine. Certainly a very interesting early carbine.
CONDITION: Fine, incomplete with absent buttstock section, retains 60% original parkerized finish with some scattered
patches of light to moderate corrosion mostly concentrated on the flip-up blade, and some patches of mild pitting at the muzzle. Stock is good
with some scratches and dents, and the recoiling cheek piece is cracked/re-glued in various places. Mechanically fine, although the recoiling cheek
piece is fragile and the buttstock is absent as noted above.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
      318
LOT 549
World War II U.S. Inland M1A1 Paratrooper Semi-Automatic Carbine with Canvas Case - Serial no. 126609, 30 Carbine cal., 18 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, metal stock, walnut grips. This is a solid representative example of an original configuration World War II U.S. M1A1 Paratrooper carbine that was manufactured by Inland. “N” marked blade front and “S” marked two-leaf rear sights, with a Inland “11-42” barrel, flat bolt, checkered button safety and “E1” magazine catch. The correct high wood stock is fitted with a 2-rivet handguard, Type I barrel band, crossed cannons on the bottom of the grip, brass rivets on the brown leather cheek pad, and cast-in numbers on the steel buttplate. Includes a green canvas sling and “U.S.” marked canvas case. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% plus of the thin original parkerized finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on edges and high spots. The revarnished wood is very good with some moderate wear/dings where the stock has been folded against it and otherwise generally minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some mild wear. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 550
Desirable World War II OSS Combat Stiletto with Scarce “Pancake Flipper” Sheath - Made in the style of the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife developed by the British and adopted by America. There are reports of similar knives in use
with intelligence agencies well into the 1960s. The double edged blade measures 6 5/8” long with a dark
“royal blue” finish and 1/8 inch thick oval steel handguard. No maker’s markings are present. Early style grip, darkened
brass with sharp knurling and a brass nut pommel. Sheath is constructed from steel and leather with the leather porting similar to the more
conventional F-S sheaths but made without a belt hanger and fitted to a green painted steel frame
which encloses the tip, supports the entire back, and expands to a 3 inch wide head with 4 slits for running a belt and a rubber O-ring for retaining the blade. The sheath was nicknamed the Pancake Flipper for its resemblance to a spatula. CONDITION: Excellent with 97% original blue and a few small areas of wear on the blade, aged brass visible on the high points and bright corrosion wear on the metal part of the sheath which has transferred to the otherwise very fine grip. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
Collector’s Fact
It is estimated that approximately 50-100 of these various experimental carbines were manufactured by several companies.
   




































































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