Inland 7-43 M1 Carbine In 100% Original Condition?

[Wade16]

I just found this carbine. I have seen postings saying that an original condition carbine that has its un-replaced parts is rare. I would like opinions on this one. It came from an estate that has had the carbine ever since WW2. The only piece missing is the slide stop pin. There is an area of stock gouges that are next to some trigger guard dents that indicates to me the stock is original to the trigger group. I would appreciate members expert opinions on this carbine. If it is all un-messed with original, how would that affect the value?

[everforward]

Hi, from what the pics show, I’d say that it looks as though it’s in order……I agree in that it hasn’t been messed with many years, all the components look as though they are in the same condition and have aged equally. 
 

Here are some pics of my own Inland, with a barrel date of some three months earlier, kinda ‘close’…. It is also in unaltered condition and is quite similar to the one you’ve posted, although the stock on my Carbine has an I-cut oiler slot.
 

 

I’d check the bore before handing over any money, and if it passes muster then I’d carefully clean it-it’s hard to tell if we’re looking at grime or some light rust in spots. All in all, the Carbine has a lot of potential, and with an excellent bore and bringing the condition up to snuff the value could be a lot better. As far as what number that is, your mileage may vary, as they say.

 

 

 

[Wade16]

Thanks for the comments. The bore is very nice. Should I leave the carbine as is, or should I clean it? I kind of like the original used look.

[everforward]

16 minutes ago, Wade16 said:

Thanks for the comments. The bore is very nice. Should I leave the carbine as is, or should I clean it? I kind of like the original used look.

Well, it all depends on your school of thought. At the very least I would do what I could to conserve and preserve, because you don’t want your investment to degrade over time in front of your eyes. IMHO I wouldn’t leave it grimy, anything that helps functionality I’d clean up…..if anything has rust, I’d do what I could to stop it from getting worse, if not remove it altogether while preserving originality.

 

I bought my Carbine years ago in the shape you see it in, because it’s been proven time and again that condition and value go hand in hand. Better condition equals higher value, especially original condition.

[Matt_X]

I agree.  Dirt holds moisture.  The metal can be cleaned with a mild solvent like kerosene of mineral spirits.  Then rub a light preservative oil on all the surfaces.  No abrasives. (steel wool, sandpaper, whatever) Maybe down the road if there is specific spot of rust but right now the focus is do no harm.  A toothbrush is ok if there is some caked grime.

On the wood, mineral spririts to clean if needed and then raw linseed oil.  For unknown reasons, thats no longer stocked in the big chain stores.  Look around, a wood working store (or even a natural food store) should have it.  Its pressed from flax seeds, but unlike 'boiled' has not been processed with driers.   Whatever you use to wipe off the excess, leave the rag opened to dry slowly.  (All oils of this type generate some heat while drying so when compacted it can actually start a fire.)

 

The carbine seems to have a lot of the right parts.  Yes very few stayed with all of their original parts, and very very few left the military while it was still a standard issue. 

There is a good example, a bit earlier than both of yours in the Carbine Club's Newsworthy items.  Even more unusual there was a name on it which could be traced to the service member.  

https://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/featured-carbine-inland-210424_topic3196.html

 

As you fill out a data sheet, this one and others can help you compare with your own.

People on the forum will help you out. 

[Wade16]

Can you estimate the value of an original condition carbine like mine?

[Matt_X]

To remove the sling, remove the other end from the buckle.  Then hold the oiler in place while while unthreading the sling past the oiler.   Otherwise  the oiler moves with the sling and locks it up.  The end should come through without a fight.  Then do the same the othe way, and last let the oiler drop out.  For installation start with the oiler in its slot.

[Matt_X]

15 minutes ago, Wade16 said:

Can you estimate the value of an original condition carbine like mine?

Nope.  I can't. 

First you'ld need someone with enough expertise to know if all the parts are right. That's not just the stamps and typology, but thats a very good start.  Even that requires either someone who really knows, or by going through the references.  I'm more familiar with Saginaws, but even on those I need to look at a bunch of references.  And I don't have the CCNewsletters which has info not found elsewhere.  That's why the club can be really helpful.  You share your carbine's details and everyone helps out. Win-win.

 

I think its fair to say that just by having most of the right parts, its probably on the higher end of the going prices for the right buyer.  If you're looking for insurance value, there's probably ways to get a fair appraisal.

[Matt_X]

The stock looks pretty Ok, but a little dry.  Maybe be more of that under the rusty buttplate. So if you take the buttplate off, you may want to put linseed oil on the endgrain.   depends if the rust is just on the outer surface or if it got soaked in water at some point.

[Wade16]

Here is a photo of the butt plate removed.

[Matt_X]

I'd say use a somewhat soft brush to remove any loose rust.  When you put linseed oil on, see how quick it soaks up.  If it disappears in a minute, keep feeding it.  if it sits on the surface, see if it soaks in over a few hours and then remove the excess. 

[Wade16]

Thanks Matt_X

[Matt_X]

It will be interesting to learn what the guys on the carbine forum think about this carbine.   I think like you, most like to see the patina and signs of use/abuse generally don't seem to phase them.  The stock on my 1st carbine had a funny pattern on it - which one of the guys showed me was a from a buttplate hitting it. 

[DogDoc]

Just saw your post on the carbine forum. Nice rifle. From what I see, I like. You’ll get some really good input over there. Parts look correct. The oval sling cut highwood stock is correct for your SN. Wear patterns are a big factor when trying to decide if it’s original or not. Even then it’s a guessing game. Yours definitely has that been there done that look. 

[gap]

I like it, looks unmolested straight from WW2! 

 

As for value, M1 carbines have been selling for a premium since the last CMP sale.  Inland was the most common carbine manufacturer by far, but you don't often see 100 percent correct carbines, regardless of the manufacturer.

 

If it was mine, I would not sell it for less than $2,500. Reasonable minds will differ. 

[painter777]

The Type II Hand Guard paused me for a minute...... but it is cold here. Was thinking the Shallow groove was too early. But Inland started using these just before #224,xx with a mix of Deep and Shallow groove afterward, Deep groove being seen much less after #224,xxx. So Type II Shallow groove Hand Guard checks out for a #248,xxx.

I left a better reply on the Carbine Collectors Club site. Thx for the post Wade...

 

Ch-P777

[mrrm]

I like what I see. To me it is a true bring back showing its age with wear from actual usage. We've seen period, WWII, photographs of various small arms being repaired/cleaned in batches, mixed together etc. which is why there can be parts which may not seem factory correct but are 100% period correct. The whole idea for interchangeability of parts was for such reason. WWII combat cared not for future collectors.   

 

I am not an "expert", but who is, yours looks good to me parts wise, as in being together forever.  Nice carbine, great collectible. 

 

And follow what others have posted for preservation, some excellent advice given above.  

[Wade16]

Thank you. I appreciate your opinion.

[Dirt Detective]

Looks very nice and I would give it a good cleaning.  Without having it in hand I say $2,000.+    Congrats on a nice pick up.