M1 Carbine - help identify

[aim low for best effect]

Hi all - new guy here -

I've been gathering info on US GI carbines for a while, as I own and shoot an Inland. I also read up on the variety of commercial carbines as my brother and a friend have picked up commercial carbines.

I've become pretty familiar with all of the US GI parts markings by reading the Craig Reisch book "US M1 Carbines, Wartime Production". I've also spent time reading up on a number of carbine collector websites regarding the various commercial carbines and occupation carbines.

I've been trying for weeks to gain insights on a particular carbine, and have nothing found on it to date.

This 'mystery' carbine has only three markings on it, a crest on the top of the receiver above the chamber, a 5 digit serial number on the receiver behind the rear sight, and 'HP' stamped on underside of the barrel. I attached pics of all markings.

I'm sure that somebody must have an idea of what this carbine's background is. I would appreciate any info that can be provided.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Bama59]

I don't know how to do a link but found thread on Gun Hub forum . Post War Howa ( HP ) rifles made with us surplus parts Nagoya factory for JSDF . Crest is Royal Thai Police

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Very rare and cool Carbine! Do you have the rest of the gun, or just the barrelled receiver?

 

[aim low for best effect]

First - to BAMA59 - Thanks for the assist. Much appreciated. After re-reading the write-up on Howa carbines at http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_Howa.html I now realize that I failed to read 'Part II' where the RTP crest is identified.

To NIGHTLORD40K - Yes, the gun is complete and shoots OK, other than the Type III-ish rear sight peep being loose in the adjustment track. I described it as Type III-ish, because it is different from a US GI Type III in that the yardage adjustment uses a screwed-down flat spring to catch the yardage detents. I tinkered with the flat spring, as it is worn smooth and does not create the pressure required to maintain a steady position in the track. I tried applying clear nail polish (I know, totally Bubba) to get some range time in, but that was not effective. Will soon be remedied with a new sight. The stock is dark and has a slight greenish tint to the wood, and is dinged up from rough usage. The bore is shiny but looks pretty smooth based on quick eyes only examination.

More pictures to follow.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Carbine rifling is often very shallow. Since the metalwork is pretty nice, and I don't think theres much collector premium on these (over any other carbine), it wouldnt hurt the value by putting a new stock on it- IMO.
Nice find! Ive got a '43 Inland, '44 Winchester, and a 4-digit Universal and love shooting them all!