Underwood M-1 Carbine

[EKman]

Also, there is something stamped on the receiver just above the SN. I can't make it all out, but what I can see is this: "QUA.....LC"

Is this a knows Quality Hardware mark?

[EKman]

Here is the marking on the front sight.

I've tried my best to get some good photos of the Underwood and date stamp on the front...however, it is really difficult getting thi area to come into focus for a good shot.

[EKman]

Some other shots.

[EKman]

I just can't find any evidence of a month stamp anywhere on this rifle. I know where it should be, but there isn't a mark there. How odd is that? Has anyone ever seen that before?

Anyway, thanks for the interest and I hope these pictures help answer some questions.

Regards,

Chris

[Johnny Peppers]

As explained previously, a die alignment problem resulted in the month not being shown on your barrel.

It appears that the sling well was sanded also, but there appears to be remnants of the original marking which would probably be Q-RMC.

The marking on the front sight are JQ which is correct.

The small parts shown are correct, and I believe the Carbine was an original specimen before being "modified" by some previous owner after it left the military.

[Ronnie Fry]

I agree with Johnny...

r

[EKman]

Johnny,

If I am understanding what you guys are saying coupled with what I have read in other places, this is an original configuration Underwood M-1 carbine that has been postwar modified by 1. having the stock sanded and refinished and 2. having the ears cut off of the front sight.

These adjustments aside, this rifle is a correct wartime piece.

I hope that this is a correct summary of what has been learned from this rifle.

Thanks to everyone who helped with this, I'm glad to be able to draw a bottom line conclusion as to what is represented in this firearm.

Regards,

Chris

As explained previously, a die alignment problem resulted in the month not being shown on your barrel.

It appears that the sling well was sanded also, but there appears to be remnants of the original marking which would probably be Q-RMC.

The marking on the front sight are JQ which is correct.

The small parts shown are correct, and I believe the Carbine was an original specimen before being "modified" by some previous owner after it left the military.

[Johnny Peppers]

The back sight has been changed also. The adjustable sight came out in mid 1944. It should have the non-adjustable "L" type sight as shown in the picture. The sight pictured is on a Winchester.

[EKman]

Johnny,

Thanks for pointing that out, I forgot someone mentioned the rear sight as well. How likely is it that the rear sight was a wartime replacement? I know that it would be impossible to tell for sure, but was it common for parts like that to be modified or updated in the field?

Thanks,

Chris

[quote=Johnny Peppers;4800095]The back sight has been changed also. The adjustable sight came out in mid 1944. It should have the non-adjustable "L" type sight as shown in the picture. The sight pictured is on a Winchester.

[ValhallaMilitaria]

I think there is a light '7' stamped as a month on the barrel....my guess is that its a seven, I have an Underwood too that is a shooter only. Nice weapon there.

[hi-revr]

I also have a Quality with similar issues. 1-44 Underwood barrel, front site naltered, adjustable site, LW marked stock also refinished. no evidence of bayonet lug, appears to be original finish. Purchased from the marine that brought it home in his sea bag disassembled. Serial number 4, 825,000

[Johnny Peppers]

Johnny,

Thanks for pointing that out, I forgot someone mentioned the rear sight as well. How likely is it that the rear sight was a wartime replacement? I know that it would be impossible to tell for sure, but was it common for parts like that to be modified or updated in the field?

Thanks,

Chris

I would say highly unlikely, and no way to authenticate one way or the other. In the big picture it really makes no difference.

There was a huge rebuild program for the M1 Carbine following WWII where the updates such as the bayonet lug, rotating safety, and adjustable sight were added. Field modifications for these improvements would have been rare.

[SMG1]

just for clarification, there were ordnance companies that operated in the field that could replace or upgrade parts, hard to prove but it did happen.

[Johnny Peppers]

A Carbine sight needed little maintenance, and as noted, it really doesn't matter when it was changed.

[jh-ss44]

Sorry ,stand corrected on the Unerdwood marked barrel.
To many feathers on this crow but, still eating it. jeff