3494

Very Rare and Exceptional WWII Inland "T3" Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Very Rare and Exceptional WWII Inland  T3  Carbine
This is just a fantastic example of an all original WWII Inland produced "T3" Carbine. This is the original Infrared model carbine that was developed and produced in early/mid 1944 for use with the early model M2 Infrared sniper scope. These were produced on an extremely limited basis with an estimated quantity of only "1000" ever produced in their own serial number range. As all carbine collectors know 99.9% of all these carbines were demilitarized by torch cutting after WWII. You may see some re-welded versions out there, but you will never see an all original T3 carbine like this again. As noted, these T3 carbines were specifically designated to use with the original M2 Infrared Sniper Scope with the large infrared emitter lens mounted on the underside forend of the stock, with the smaller scope still mounted on top of the receiver. The primary difference between these T3 carbines and the standard M1 carbine, (aside from the scope mounting position) is that they all had a one piece integral scope base brazed and pinned on top of the receiver. This integral base may have been one of the primary reasons for the removal and demilitarization of this model from Army inventory as it was later replaced by the standard M3 Infrared Sniper scope conversion package, with the separate long mounting bar. This M3 conversion package would allow a standard M1 carbine to be converted for use with the infrared scope and then reconverted back to it's original configuration, whereas the "T3" model had to be used with infrared scope only as there were no provisions for any rear sight. This one-piece, integral scope mount forced a relocation of the model number from the top of the receiver to the right rear side of the receiver. This carbine has the following markings; top of the barrel is marked; "INLAND MFG. DIV./GENERAL MOTORS" and the right side of the receiver is marked, "U.S. CARBINE/CAL. 30 T3". The top rear portion of the receiver heel is marked "INLAND DIV/0478". The carbine is fitted with the following Inland Div parts: an unmarked type two barrel band, a flat blued bolt with the left locking lug marked "IO 2"; the trigger guard is a type 3 or 4 with the standing "INLAND" manufacturers mark facing to the rear of the trigger guard, R.I. marked sear, a blued "H.I" marked hammer, a blued, smooth face M1 magazine release, marked W.I. with the capital letter "M" on the side, a blued trigger and a parkerized unmarked push button safety. The operating slide is also the correct version with the underlined "P.I." mark inside. The carbine is fitted with an original "IO" marked two rivet hand guard and a super rare, all original "IO" marked, T3 carbine stock. The "IO" stock mark is located inside the sling slot and the right side of the butt stock has a large crossed-cannon ordnance poof. The T3 stock is correctly drilled on the left side above the pistol grip area with three holes; two for the switch plate screws and the center hole is for the original switch to actually turn the scope on. The front portion of the stock has the large squared off, bulbous forend, this is where the original M2 Infrared emitter lens was mounted. The front section of the forend is correctly drilled for various scope mounting plate screws. Now I am sure you are asking yourself if these are "So Damn" rare, how did this one ever survive? Well, during our examination of this carbine, this describer noted that inside the receiver in the magazine area, it appears to have a double machining flaw on both sides. Based on that it is our position that this was probably a standard T3 production carbine that was rejected by a USG inspector, that somehow remained at the Inland factory as a display model and that's why it has remained in this original pristine condition. If you note, even though the side of the stock has been drilled for the switch plate there has never been one mounted there, again some verification that this was an original manufactured T3 carbine that was never issued.
BBL: 18 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30 M1 Carbine
Finish: parkerized
Grips:
Serial Number: 0478
Condition: Excellent plus with 99% of the original WWII Inland factory parkerized finish overall showing only minor edge and high spot wear with 98% of the original blue finish on the bolt with edge and high spot wear. The stock and hand guard are both in excellent condition with a nice matching, medium brown oil finish tone to the walnut with just minor handling marks in a few places. The ordnance proof is clear and sharp. Beautiful all original, unaltered T3 carbine, for the discriminating collector. This is the finest T-3 Inland Carbine we have ever offered, so if you ever wanted to own the finest, now is the time to step up!