Make: Irwin-Pedersen
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1768308
Year of Manufacture: Receiver November 1942-March 1943, barrel date 1-1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazine
Markings:
Top-rear Receiver- "IRWIN-PEDERSEN 1768308".
Top-front Receiver- "U.S. CARBINE", "CAL .30 M1".
Right Receiver- "12"
Barrel- "UNDERWOOD 1-43" , a flaming bomb, a "P" proof, and a second flaming bomb on the barrel flat.
Front Sight- "IPN" and "2" Nieder Gun CO. for Irwin Pedersen
Type 1 Barrel Band- "UP" Union Hardware for Irwin Pedersen
Slide- "IP" and "2" for Irwin-Pedersen
Bolt- "IP" for Irwin-Pedersen
Rear Sight- "S" and "B-IP" Beckwith MFG for Irwin-Pedersen
Trigger Group- "IP" for Irwin-Pedersen and has a flaming bomb
Hammer- "HI" Hemphill MFG CO.
Sear- "SW-IP" Star Watch Case for Irwin-Pedersen
Magazine Catch- "B-IP" Beckwith MFG for Irwin-Pedersen
Safety- "IP-A" American Electric Heater CO. for Irwin-Pedersen
Sling Well- "IR-IP" R.W. Irwin Co. for Irwin Pedersen
Stock- "H" on the pommel, the heel of the butt and the wrist
Buttplate- "IP-PM" Pross Mfg co for Irwin Pedersen
Inside Handguard- "IR-IP" with a flaming bomb R.W. Irwin Co. for Irwin Pedersen
Magazine- "I-P-K"
Barrel Length: 18"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is an early L-type dual aperture dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is high-wood, oval cut, with 2-rivet upper handguard, Type I barrel band, and checkered metal butt plate. The stock has been sanded and refinished. The wood shows light compressions, small rub marks and surface lines. There are some minor scattered chips in the wood, the most notable is on the left side of the nose. There are no cracks. There are spots where the stock appears to have glue or wax stuck to it, this should come off with a proper cleaning. The buttplate retains nearly all its finish and has well defined checkering. Overall the stock is in about Very Good plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In the last 3" of the bore there are a few barely visible spots of pitting. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The action shows operational wear. The receiver shows finish loss and some pitting, mostly below the stock-line. The finish on the receiver, slide and trigger group have turned brown with age. The edges of the trigger group show finish loss. The barrel shows some oxidation freckling, rub marks from the band and some finish thinning. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall the rifle is in about Good-plus 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: A single 15-round magazine is included.
Our Assessment: This Irwin-Pedersen M1 Carbine's receiver was produced in the first serial number block during late 1942 to early 1943, representing one of the most intriguing chapters of M1 Carbine production. Irwin-Pedersen was awarded a prime contract but ultimately failed to deliver carbines that met inspection standards, and no completed Irwin-Pedersen rifles were formally accepted for U.S. military service. As a result, original IP-marked components are scarce and highly sought after by advanced collectors.
This rifle is fitted with an Underwood barrel dated 1-43 and, notably, nearly all other components are made by or for Irwin-Pedersen. Subcontractors represented include but are not limited to Beckwith MFG Co., Star Watch Case, American Electric Heater CO., and Union Hardware, all of whom contributed parts during the brief IP production period. Whether this rifle left the factory in this configuration or was later assembled from correct and rare Irwin-Pedersen components, it remains highly collectible due to the scarcity of authentic IP parts and the historical significance of a manufacturer that never successfully fielded an accepted production carbine. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!
