Make: Auto Ordinance made receiver finished by International Business Machine Co., IBM

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 3885470

Year of Manufacture: August 1943-May 1944, Barrel 9-1944

Caliber: .30 Cal Carbine

Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.

Markings:

Receiver: "U.S. CARBINE CAL. 30 M1 / I.B.M. CORP. / 3885470 / AO"

Front sight: "N"

Barrel: "INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS 9-44" the barrel flat has Inland hieroglyphics.

Barrel Band: "MMQ"

Slide: "7161843 96567" Dennison Machine Tool Co.

Bolt: "-U-" Underwood

Rear sight: "S" Saginaw Gear

Trigger group: "-U-" Underwood

Magazine Catch: "MWA"

Hammer: "NH" Hanh Manufacturing Co.

Safety: "CM"

Sear: "SW" Detroit Plastic Co.

Stock: Sling Cut "JL B" Jamestown Lounge, Right flank small ordnance wheel, left flank "4273695" and "-U-".

Handguard: "IO" Inland Overton

Oiler: "IS" International Silver Co.

Barrel Length: 18"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is the early L type dual aperture "flip sight" dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood, type 2 barrel band, two rivet upper handguard, with a rotary safety and a checkered metal butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stock has been lightly sanded and refinished. The wood shows scattered lines, compressions, divots and scratches. There is a crack on the right side of the stock below the slide cut and a small crack forming behind the recoil lug. The wood shows some scattered chips missing from the edges of the sling cut, handguard and stock. The metal butt plate has been refinished and shows rub wear and pitting under the refinish. The butt plate is also slightly loose. The checkering is defined. Overall the stock set is in about Fair+-Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original with refinished barrel

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion or pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces with their original finish show discoloration from age. The trigger group shows surface rust freckles. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show rub wear and finish loss. The barrel has black line on the bottom. The action is smooth. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in about 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: Green sling.

Our Assessment: This IBM M1 Carbine was originally made between August 1943 and May 1944 by International Business Machines Co., one of the more unusual companies tasked with producing M1 Carbines during World War II. This example features a receiver marked with the distinctive "AO" stamp on the bevel, indicating that the receiver was made by Auto-Ordnance Co. and supplied to IBM for assembly. The extensive use of subcontractors was a hallmark of wartime M1 Carbine production, and Auto-Ordnance-produced receivers assembled by IBM represent an interesting and fully correct wartime combination. During the war, IBM produced over 346,000 carbines, making them one of the smaller prime contractors and a favorite among collectors today.

This rifle is fitted with an Inland barrel dated 9-1944, which appears to be a replacement and has been refinished. The stock bears a "-U-" marking, often associated with an Underwood rebuild or overhaul program, which aligns well with the rifle's Underwood bolt and trigger group. These features suggest the rifle likely passed through a rebuild process during or after military service, where worn components were replaced. Most of the components retain their original finish, preserving much of the rifle's wartime character. The result is a fascinating example of an IBM-produced M1 Carbine that reflects both the complex wartime manufacturing network and the post-production rebuild programs that kept these rifles in service for decades.