m-1 carbine question

[KiltedClaymore]

ok, so my grandfather was just in town and we went to th Cabellas to look around. in the gun library they had a well used m-1 carbine. it was priced at $700, wich wasnt unusual for me, but my grandfather was shocked. He has his M-1 carbine from his time as a navy officer on an LST in WW2 and its in mint condition almost. Saw alittle bit of action storming some south pacific islands, but in basicly new condition. hasnt shot it since he was discharged in 1946. has the original mag and brick of ammo he left with. since he plans to give it to me for my 18th birthday i would like to know how much would something like that be worth, not that i ever plan to sell it.

 

[SoCalShooter]

Probably about what your going to pay for it.

 

[Cosmoline]

since he plans to give it to me for my 18th birthday i would like to know how much would something like that be worth, not that i ever plan to sell it.

A lot. You should get him to write down or dictate the history of the carbine and his service, put it on some nice acid free high cotton paper. A picture of him in his uniform and more recently would be nice as well, along with a picture of any medals or decorations he received as a result of his service. This is a pretty standard practice when it comes to family relics, and helps make sure everyone down the line appreciates the history behind the item. It also allows people to authenticate a piece--for insurance purposes if nothing else. Only a tiny fraction of a percentage of intact US service arms saw front line combat. Far fewer than most collectors realize, I suspect. Even fewer have documentation to prove it. Some collectors see little value in whether a firearm saw combat, but these are the ones interested in the rifle, not the history. This is a case where, especially over time, the value of the carbine will come from a much broader market.

 

[KiltedClaymore]

i shall. he is really into family history so he would love that idea cosmoline. as for the uniform, we have a chinese theater sevice ribbon ordered to complete his uniform (lost it sometime in the past 40 years). and no, i didnt know that combat made it more valuable.

 

[Jim K]

While there is still time, have your grandfather write up the circumstances of his service and the history of the gun and have it notarized. That will not only make the gun more interesting and preserve family history, but should the carbine ever be sold will add to the value.

There is variation in prices based on both condition and manufacturer. Generally carbines in top shape go for around $800-900, with Winchesters bringing around $1200 and Irwin Pedersens around $1700.

Original Inland folding stock models (M1A1) will go for up to $4000 or more.

Jim

 

[GarandOwner]

I would say in excess of $1700, if it is mint in original condition.