Should I buy it? Inland M1A1 paratrooper.

[Speedo66]

People hear an expression relating to quality, i.e., matching numbers, billet, etc., and think it will enhance the value of what they're trying to sell if they add it. Many times they have absolutely no clue as to what they're talking about.

Every other cheap Chinese import of anything on Ebay is now proclaimed as being "billet'.

Maybe I should stamp the last 4 numbers of the serial number on every part on my Carbine, should be worth a fortune with "all matching numbers".

 

[grampajack]

Hey Jack, what "matching" numbers are you talking about? A Carbine was serialized on the receiver only, or are you referring to a part on the weapon that has a drawing number to identify it? The drawing number often can show the time frame in which it was used. Such as: hammer made by X has drawing number 123 which was used until June 43 and replaced with drawing number 456.
This question was asked several times but an answer never given.

I asked him twice what he meant by that, and he dodged the question both times. I just assumed he didn't know what he was talking about, but after conversing with him I'm convinced he knew exactly what he was doing. He knew exactly which questions he could answer and which ones to ignore. My guess is he bought it thinking it was genuine, and now he's trying to get his money back. Obviously I didn't buy it, so it's a moot point now.

 

[Balrog]

I have quite a few M1 Carbines and have never understood why anyone cared if the parts were all from the same manufacturer. Not all manufacturers made all parts, and even for the companies that did, as soon as the carbine went through its first re-arsenal, it became a mixmaster as the Army made no attempt to keep the parts correct by manufacturer.

So, when I see a Carbine being touted as all original, I usually figure it was put together that way by Bubba in his garage about 1990.

 

[LoonWulf]

Hey! I resemble that remark!!! just replaced some parts on my coworkers carbine...went to the trouble to try get them from the original man lol.

 

[Balrog]

Nothing wrong with replacing the parts, I just don't see that increasing the value to me. But others may feel differently.

 

[Ibmikey]

Balrog, I have collected Carbines for fifty years. The ones that have never been through a rebuild or squad poncho cleaning party where all parts are thrown on the poncho and reassembled by whomever grabbed what are quite a prized possession. As you say most are a conglomeration of parts from a variety of suppliers and they shoot just as well as any. Recently I was able to purchase a Rockola from the daughter of a WWII vet (recently deceased) who brought it home in his duffel from the Pacific, all parts are as issued (except for wear) and made me smile. I smiled even more when her price was $600, there are still a few "originals" lurking around out there in space.
Grampa.....thanks for the response and clearing up my confusion

 

[Balrog]

Balrog, I have collected Carbines for fifty years. The ones that have never been through a rebuild or squad poncho cleaning party where all parts are thrown on the poncho and reassembled by whomever grabbed what are quite a prized possession. As you say most are a conglomeration of parts from a variety of suppliers and they shoot just as well as any. Recently I was able to purchase a Rockola from the daughter of a WWII vet (recently deceased) who brought it home in his duffel from the Pacific, all parts are as issued (except for wear) and made me smile. I smiled even more when her price was $600, there are still a few "originals" lurking around out there in space.
Grampa.....thanks for the response and clearing up my confusion

I agree they would be a prized possession, but without some provenance to convince me it was a real original and not a garage-job done by Bubba, I would not spend extra cash for one. If the carbine you bought was for real, you kind of took advantage of the daughter at $600. She must not have known what she was selling.

 

[Ibmikey]

Balrog, If you knew me you would know that in a trade or sale I go out of my way to give the advantage to the seller/ trader. This purchase was handled through a dealer...the lady quoted the price she wanted, the dealer called me immediately and I accepted, I later reimbursed the dealer-friend when I picked It up. I know Carbines and can spot rebuilds or modifications, what I do not remember I use several reference books as a refresher for a mind stuffed with too many firearm/55 Chevy facts and numbers.....
Again, when I purchase/trade the advantage goes to the other person, in my opinion for me to do otherwise would lessen my personal integrity.

 

[Balrog]

Balrog, If you knew me you would know that in a trade or sale I go out of my way to give the advantage to the seller/ trader. This purchase was handled through a dealer...the lady quoted the price she wanted, the dealer called me immediately and I accepted, I later reimbursed the dealer-friend when I picked It up. I know Carbines and can spot rebuilds or modifications, what I do not remember I use several reference books as a refresher for a mind stuffed with too many firearm/55 Chevy facts and numbers.....
Again, when I purchase/trade the advantage goes to the other person, in my opinion for me to do otherwise would lessen my personal integrity.

If $600 was what the lady wanted for an as-issued Rock-Ola, she didn't know what she was selling. I haven't bought a M1 Carbine in probably 10 years, but my guess is that carbine would be in the $1,500 plus range.

 

[Art Eatman]

'Nuf thread drift.