September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
This highly unusual carbine is fitted with a 24" barrel built for the WWII M1E6 tests. The receiver, although unmarked, is an extremely rare T3 with integral optic mount base that never made it to ordnance. Most all of the T3 receivers were cut in half once obsolete, making this an even rarer find. Rifle has a period EI Paso Weaver Model 298 scope. Flat bolt. Other parts consistent with other M1E6 barreled presentations, including a special checkered trigger, early serrated “W-I” magazine catch, and a checkered push button safety, combined with a mix of early and late Inland parts. Metal is finished in lustrous polished commercial blue. The "HI" low wood stock is finely figured and finished to a gloss. Gloss finished 4-rivet handguard retained by a "KI" type 2 band. Complete with C-tip sling. CONDITION: Excellent. Virtually all of the rich commercial blue is retained with only light evidence of the action being cycled. Wood is especially fine with a small area of wear from the sling buckle and other handling marks. Very fine bright and crisp bore. ME of 1. Fine mechanics. Very few T3 carbines survived post-War rebuilds, making them extremely scarce on the collector market, especially in nice condition. Presentation grade specimens are even scarcer. Larry Ruth identified this carbine as the only known example. PROVENANCE: Larry Ruth Collection