May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
This possibly unique experimental M1 carbine is numbered "E101" in Underwood's experimental prototype range. The standard Underwood barrel is dated "12-42" over an ordnance flaming bomb stamp. Milled protected blade front sight and early "S" marked 2-position flip sight. Milled trigger housing with push button safety and flat magazine catch. Early blued flat bolt. The forward portion of the stock is a rather normal walnut construction with low wood cut, several extra reinforcements added to the body. Standard "M" marked 2-rivet handguard retained by a Type II band, no sling swivel present. This is where normalcy ends on this carbine and the very unusual features begin. The left side of the forend is mounted with a recoil reducing cheekpiece with built in oiler which sits directly above the trigger guard. Although the recoil of .30 carbine is somewhat underwhelming another experimental Underwood carbine, serial number E128, is known with a recoil absorbing stock. On this example the butt portion is no longer present, although it appears to have originally been able to fold out of the way. Interestingly, this example is also fitted with a folding, rearward facing blade bayonet which nestles under the cheekpiece when not in use. Bayonet has a hole cut allowing for the sights to be used while in its closed position. A very unusual experimental carbine, perhaps the most interesting this cataloger has come across. PROVENANCE: EX George Moller Collection. CONDITION: Good. Metal retains the majority of its fading original parkerized finish mixing with some patina. Folding blade shows some evidence of older oxidation. Stocks have scattered impressions. The cheek piece is fragile with several hairline splits. One larger crack was glued at some point long ago and has now separated. Bore is defined with areas of abrasion. Mechanically fine excluding the recoil reduction system which would benefit from mild conservation. A fantastically interesting WWII experimental carbine for the advanced martial arms collector.
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