US WWII Irwin-Pedersen 1st Block M-1 Carbine .30 Cal Rifle 1943 C&R Rare
SOLD FOR: $8,175
WOA#: WY240302RL006
Make: Irwin-Pedersen
Model: M-1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1773509
Year of Manufacture: Early 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “IRWIN-PEDERSEN” and “1773509”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE” and “CAL. .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA”, “1-43”, and with a “P” proof mark.
The barrel flat is marked “1”.
The slide is stamped “2”.
The Type I front barrel band is marked “UP”.
The safety is marked “IP-W”.
The front sight is marked “PN”.
The rear sight is marked “S” and “RP”.
The trigger group is marked “IP”.
The hammer is marked “U”.
The magazine release button is smooth.
The inside of the sling cut is marked “IR-IP”.
The stock has an Ordnance Department “crossed cannons” cartouche, an “IP” square stamp, and a “P” acceptance stamp.
The inside of the handguard is marked “RMC” for Rock-Ola Manufacturing Co.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is the early L type dual aperture “flip sight” dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Type III low-wood with a Type I 2-rivet upper handguard, Type I barrel band, and a checkered metal buttplate. It’s marked “IR-IP” meaning the stock was made by Irwin-Pedersen. This rifle also has the early style cross bolt safety. The wood shows light depressions, scratches, and mars throughout with only one chip next to the “P” acceptance stamp and no cracks. The metal buttplate shows brown patina, and some surface rust with semi-dulled checkering. The stock and handguard are in Very Good overall condition for C&R given their age.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one after-market 30 round magazine and one after-market 15 round magazine, both in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The finish has mostly worn off the barrel, and the barrel has begun to turn brown with patina. The trigger group and action have also begun to patina. The friction surface on the action and bolt have also seen some finish loss. Overall the rifle is in Very Good Plus Condition for C&R given its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes the two mags mentioned above and an original US WW2 OD canvas “C-tip” M-1 Carbine sling.
Our Assessment: Early in WW2, the US military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy M-1 Garand and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911A1 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact, easy-to-handle shoulder arm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size battle rifle. In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester, Irwin-Pedersen, and General Motors’ Inland Division, to develop and produce the M-1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David “Carbine” Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful Garand and the short-recoil action of the Thompson Submachine Gun. The M-1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 round used in the Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements. The M-1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II in the hands of US infantry, paratroopers, Marines, and support personnel, and was loved by the troops for its ease of use, compact design, and reliability. In March 1942, Irwin-Pedersen was awarded a government contract to produce M-1 Carbines. Almost from the outset, Irwin-Pedersen faced numerous challenges during its brief production run. Issues with production quality, management disputes, and financial difficulties plagued the company, leading to a paltry output of rifles compared to other manufacturers. Convential wisdom suggests that 50,000 Irwin-Pedersen M-1 Carbines were made, though none were ever accepted by the Ordnance Department. After their contract was canceled in April 1943, all of their completed M-1 Carbines, spare parts, tooling, and facilities were taken over by the Saginaw Gear Division of General Motors. This Irwin-Pedersen M-1 Carbine features a Rock-Ola barrel; the mix of maker’s parts is correct, as Rock-Ola was one of the barrel suppliers to Irwin-Pedersen. Today, any Irwin-Pedersen M-1 Carbines remain sought after by collectors for their historical significance and relative rarity. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!! -R.L.
