M1A1 serial check

[PhillipM]

I'm really out of my depth validating M1A1 carbines, but from the pics my friend sent me, it seems legit.

Serial is 6330154. Is rhat in the right block?

Rivets are 7:4 (my approximation of vertical dashes centered between tbe digits). The leather looks old and a there is a smidge of verdigris.

[Tuna]

Serial number wise it's in a correct block and time frame for an M1A1 made by Inland about November 1944. Now is the stock legit? Can't tell without photos of it including the cheek piece, both side of it. The butt plate both sides of it. Is the stock marked OI inside?

[Ironlip]

Is there a consensus on whether the 7/4 rivets can be original or do they have to be replacements? I've heard it both ways for years.

[Tuna]

It is my understanding that the marked and unmarked rivets are correct as well as being brass or steel. Steel is most often found on rebuilt carbines too.

[PhillipM]

Let's see if I can get all the pics up by owner's request.

[PhillipM]

[PhillipM]

[PhillipM]

[PhillipM]

...and finally, the magazine. Other pics on request.

[Tuna]

It's all good to go Phillip. Nice example of one made November 1944. Looks like it's been hidden away in someone's closet for many years it's that good an example.

[PhillipM]

Thanks, Tuna. It came from an old collector that says he has several more. Since my friend opened a gun store a few months ago, all sorts of things have come in the door.

[rbtf70]

Is the type III barrel band correct? If this is original the "P" proof mark on the top of the barrel will be visible between the front end of the barrel band and the front sight. If the P is covered by the type III band, the band has been changed, probably during a rebuild.

[Tuna]

The band is not only correct, it is one made for Inland. The type 3 band started in November 1944 and was first used on the M1A1 carbines. Inlands demand for them was so great there were three companies making the type 3 band marked AI, KI and SI. Only about 10,000 M1A1 carbines in November and 10,000 in December 1944 were made with the type 3 barrel band. A "P" proof on any barrel not made from November 1944 onward may be below the barrel band. What mattered was production and a barrel dated a month earlier was still a barrel to be used in production. First in the bin last out of the bin.