Manufactured between August and November of 1944 by the Inland Division of General Motors. “12 – 44” dated Inland barrel with milled “N” marked front sight and “I.R. CO.” rear. Round bolt. “SHELMiRE” scratched on charging handle. Inland trigger group with flip type safety and “M” marked magazine catch. Walnut high wood stock marked “IO” on the pistol grip with reproduction M1A1 folding wire stock. “IO” stamped 2 rivet top wood retained by a “C” marked bayonet lug band. Complete with detachable muzzle brake, green woven sling, and an excellent “1944” dated green canvas hip scabbard by the Atlas Awning Company. CONDITION: Very good. Carbine retains the vast majority of its parkerized finishes with some expected wear. Stocks likewise have some expected impressions as well as a crack on the right side near the hinge. Strong bore with some light frosting. ME reads greater than 1. Good but sticky mechanics. No magazine present. Accessories: Canvas case Barrel Length: 18″ Caliber/Bore: .30 Carbine FFL Status: Curio & Relic Manufacturer: Inland Model: M1A1 Carbine Serial Number: 6443939

Owing to the scarcity of original M1A1 carbines, here are a few essential things for collectors to look out for. It should be noted that original un-rebuilt M1A1s are very rare and the vast majority of M1A1s on the market, have either reproduction or fake stocks. Also, since the war, many will have been rebuilt with later parts.

M1A1 Serial Numbers

Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors was the only manufacturer of the M1A1 and manufactured approximately 140,000 by the close of the war. The M1A1 was manufactured in two main production runs, both of approximately 70,000. The first was produced and delivered from late 1942 through until October 1943. M1A1s produced during this run will have early production features, such as flip sights, type 1 barrel bands, high wood etc.

The second production run, started in April 1944 and finished at the end of 1944. M1A1s produced during the beginning of the second run, will have the same characteristics as the first run, but towards the end of the run, will have features typical of a late M1, such as low wood, adjustable sights and even type 3 barrel bands at the very end of the run.

There are no actual records kept for M1A1 serial numbers and so unfortunately there is no specific way to identify if an M1A1 is original from the serial number alone. Also, during an Arsenal re-fit, M1s produced by other manufacturers could be fitted to M1A1s.

In personally examining real examples both in hand and from pictures, I have noted some of the serial numbers and barrel dates used.

First Run
Dec 1942	123xxx
Dec 1942	142xxx
March 1943	220xxx
March 1943	260xxx
March /43	317xxx
June/43	454xxx
July 43	529xxx
Sept 43	852xxx
Oct 43	866xxx
Second Run
3/44	5,102xxx
3/44	5,163xxx
3/44	5,279xxx
5/44	5,231xxx