Variant M1 Carbine with X Serial Number, c. 1942, walnut stock with no markings and no sling cutout on the butt, rear of the receiver marked X61 with no markings on the receiver ring, rear sight is of a heavier design than normal, two-rivet handguard, barrel marked INLAND MFG DIV./GENERAL MOTORS/8-42, with a group of documents relating to Major Eli G. Cooper, his service, development of the stripper clip for the M1 carbine, and secret documents dated December 2nd, 1942 from Major James C. Hite of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, for the development of the T-20 machine pistol which became the M3 submachine gun, overall lg. 35 3/4 in.
Provenance: By descent from Major Eli G. Cooper, Director of Research and Development for small arms and submachine guns to the consignor. Major Cooper worked directly with John Garand, and held many joint patents on small arms, he helped with the invention of the stripper clip for the M1 carbine, the M3 submachine gun, the M2 conversion to fully automatic of an M1 carbine, the M4 bayonet, and the night vision scope, as well as covert operations projects including the Liberator pistol and a silencer for a .45 automatic pistol.
Note: FFL.
Estimate $4,000-6,000
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