May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2024
Manufactured between May 1942 and September 1943, this example retains early production run features. Inland barred dated "8-42" with milled "N" marked front sight and early "S" marked 2-leaf rear sight. Flat bolt. Inland marked trigger group with checkered push button safety and unmarked magazine release. I-cut high wood walnut stock marked "IO" in the cut out and encircled "P" firing proof on grip. "RMC" marked 2 rivet top wood. Mounts include an early flat style barrel band and checkered butt plate. Complete with woven sling, oiler, and a flat bottom "UN" magazine. Carbine is also accompanied by a notation from the consignor that this rifle was brought back from World War II by a Malcom Fleming who served on B-29s. A copy of a signed 4-page narrative from Fleming very colorfully details his time on Iwo Jima, including the story of this rifle. After having engine trouble while bound for Japan during March of 1945, Fleming's B-29 was forced to land on Iwo Jima, where they stayed for approximately a week. While there he went out seeking war trophies from Japanese-held caves claiming "a U.S. rifle and a Jap rifle along with bayonets, knives, and other booty too numerous to mention". CONDITION: Good, honest, salty, bringback condition. Metal finishes have largely faded to a gray patina with some cleaned oxidation spots. Stocks have expected wear and impressions, displaying an age darkened appearance throughout. Good, bright bore. Fine mechanics. It is very difficult to find early carbines in WWII correct configuration, this example enhanced with a wonderful narrative of its history on Iwo Jima. A fantastic piece of WWII Pacific Theatre history.