Make: Winchester

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 1140573

Year of Manufacture: Early 1943

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto.

Markings:

Receiver: “WINCHESTER TRADEMARK / 1140573”, and “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.

Barrel: The top of the barrel is marked “W” 3.25” back from the front sight and “WP” 5.5” back. The right side of the barrel above the gas block is marked with a flaming bomb inspection stamp. The right side of the gas block is marked with a flaming bomb stamp.

Front Sight: “NN” Nolan Machinery CO.

Barrel Band: Unmarked

Rear sight: “WSI” Wadsworth Watch Case Co.

Slide: unmarked

Trigger group: “W” and “J” for Winchester

Magazine release: Very faint “WI” Wadsworth Watch Case

Hammer: “WU” Universal Winding CO.

Safety: “EW” for Sargent & CO.

Stock: The sling cut is marked “W” for Winchester, the inside of the stock “V”, pommel square outlined “P”. The right flank is marked “W.R.A. G.H.D.” with an ordnance wheel. The right wrist is marked “USAA1” indicating a San Antonio Armory rebuild or inspection.

Lug: “W” for Winchester

Upper handguard: “W” for Winchester and “Z”

Barrel Length: 18”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the early style “L” type dual aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock on this rifle is an Oval cut, low wood stock with a two rivet handguard, a type one barrel band, and a crossbolt safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows scattered marks and wear with one notable chip in the leading edge of the pommel. The upper handguard shows similar wear with a small crack originating from the left side rivet and a compression on the right side. The buttplate retains its checkering with scuffmarks around the edges minor finish loss and minor oxidation. Overall the furniture is in about Good + condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized and blued.

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains 96% of its finish. The metal finish has turned brown with age. The bolt and receiver show minor wear on the friction surfaces. The trigger guard has lost finish on the edges, the muzzle and front sight wings also show finish loss on the edges with some minor finish thinning on the barrel. The end of the barrel near the muzzle has some minor finish thinning. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear with the exception of the magazine catch. Overall this rifle is in Good+ to Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes one SW marked magazine in Excellent condition, an oiler and a green canvas sling.

Our Assessment: This Winchester M1 Carbine, made in early 1943 during the first production run, is a highly collectible WWII rifle from one of the most sought-after manufacturers. This example features a low wood stock, correctly marked "WRA GHD" for Winchester Repeating Arms and Guy H. Drewry, the U.S. Ordnance officer who inspected Winchester’s carbines. It retains mostly Winchester parts, with some components sourced from Wadsworth Watch Case Co., a known wartime subcontractor. The stock is also marked "USAA1," indicating a rebuild or inspection at San Antonio Arsenal, adding to its service history. The L-type dual aperture sight is correct for early production, maintaining the carbine’s original battlefield configuration.

As one of the original M1 Carbine producers, Winchester was the only private company contracted to both design and manufacture the rifle, making its examples highly desirable. The M1 Carbine was prized for its lightweight design, semi-automatic action, and versatility, serving officers, paratroopers, and support troops across all WWII theaters. This early production Winchester, with its correct mix of parts and original markings, is a fine historical example, reflecting the urgency and craftsmanship of America’s wartime production.