I passed up an Underwood M1 Carbine today at an auction.

[twofourthree73]

It sold for $675. It was an Underwood M1 with 1 magazine, December 1942 manufacture date, but I can't be sure. It was in decent condition, the exterior of the barrel was a bit gray and rough, not well blued, The wood was in decent shape, but nothing special. I would have bought it for $300, but I wasn't sure what the value of these were so at $675 I had to pass.

Should I be kicking myself or was it smart to pass?

It looked very similar to this one here, only the metal and barrel on this one is in better shape.

 

[brooks]

It always amazes me how fast the war mobilization took place. How in such a short period a secondary manufacturer Underwood Typewriters could get the machine tools and turn out finished rifles by Dec. 1942?

Any idea how many Underwoods were made?

 

[twofourthree73]

It always amazes me how fast the war mobilization took place. How in such a short period a secondary manufacturer Underwood Typewriters could get the machine tools and turn out finished rifles by Dec. 1942?

Any idea how many Underwoods were made?

I looked it up, approximately 200,000+

 

[uneasy_rider]

$675 is a bit high.

$300 is unrealistically low.

$500-600 is about what its worth these days.

 

[AmishFury]

first of all the one in the picture you posted... is a universal with a stock that was modified by the original owner (note the bit of wood glued to the bottom just forward of the magazine)

and the "gray and rough, not blued well" USGI M1 carbines were NEVER blued they were parkerized

here is a 1943 Quality Hardware carbine... the finish is very worn but the bayonet's blade shows what a fresh parkerized finish would look like

 

[Neo-Luddite]

How in such a short period a secondary manufacturer Underwood Typewriters could get the machine tools and turn out finished rifles by Dec. 1942?

If you've ever used one of their typewriters---you'd see why instantly---the quality and durability of their manufacturing is outstanding.

Standing as testament is the fact that Underwood typewriters can be had in 100% functional condition 60+ years after they were made often for LESS than what they sold for new--NOT adjusted for inflation---the market has a permanent glut of the machines as they are just built like desktop sherman tanks.

I imagine their carbines are pretty solid, too.

 

[Rosstradamus]

You can buy M1 Carbines from the CMP right now.

Rack grade rifles run from $419 (Inland) to $495 (IBM). The only service grade rifles left are Inlands at $495. This doesn't count the rare ones up for auction.

 

[twofourthree73]

first of all the one in the picture you posted... is a universal with a stock that was modified by the original owner (note the bit of wood glued to the bottom just forward of the magazine)

and the "gray and rough, not blued well" USGI M1 carbines were NEVER blued they were parkerized

here is a 1943 Quality Hardware carbine... the finish is very worn but the bayonet's blade shows what a fresh parkerized finish would look like.

Thanks for the clarification. The pic I posted was not the gun I was looking at, but wanted to show what the basic gun looked like. It was what I could find that was the most representative with a quick google search. I don't know a whole lot about these obviously. The parkerization was starting to show some age, but I don't know if it could be restored with some buffing and oil.

My uncle had one of these and the barrel and finish was much nicer than the one I saw today. I figured $300 was a steal, when it got past $500 I had no idea and didn't bid.

 

[Heck]

I paid $900 for a winchester a few months back. about 85% condition. was manufactured I think in 42
The Rockola is the most rare of the wwII production

 

[AmishFury]

The pic I posted was not the gun I was looking at

i know... the gun in the pic you posted just happens to be 3ft from where i am sitting as i type this

 

[FMJMIKE]

Irwin-Pederson M1 Carbines are the rarest ones.

 

[twofourthree73]

i know... the gun in the pic you posted just happens to be 3ft from where i am sitting as i type this

Nice.

 

[45B@cav]

Nice to know some of us remember what a type writer is.