December 16, 17, & 18, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #1126:
(C) PRE-D DAY WWII INLAND M1A1 CARBINE IDENTIFIED TO PARATROOPER LT. CHARLES PURDY.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2025
This M1A1 falls into the range of the first block of Inland production which ran from October 1942 through December 1943, it is from this production that paratroopers jumping on D-Day were armed with. The Inland barrel is dated "12-43" and is fitted with an "N" marked front sight and "S-" marked rear flip sight. Flat bolt marked "IO". "PI" marked slide. Unusual ordnance bomb stamped trigger housing with push button safety, unmarked magazine catch, and "IH" hammer. The walnut high wood lacks the encircled "P" proof and marker markings, likely indicating replacement. Fat boy pistol grip is marked "IO" on the underside. Folding wire stock has its original leather cheek piece retained by brass rivets. "JLB" marked 2 rivet top wood retained by a "UI" marked Type I band. Includes a "UN" flat bottom magazine and a desirable 1943 dated canvas hip scabbard. This rifle was obtained from the family of Lt. Charles Purdy who they indicate owned it. Purdy enrolled in ROTC in 1940. Upon his graduation in 1944 he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and attended parashoot school that December. He served as a paratroop platoon leader in Company B, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment through the end of 1946 with service in Europe. He remained a Lieutenant in the Infantry Reserves until 1953. Scans of Purdy's military records are included with this lot. CONDITION: Good. Arsenal finishes are strong showing expected wear. Stocks have some scattered impressions with larger, consistent impressions from the folded butt plate. Leather has worn through at the top but otherwise appears supple. Crisp, bright bore. Fine mechanics.
Manufacturer
Inland Division
Paperwork
Service Record Scans