[Wiliamb]

This stock is on my M1 carbine. It is a type III LW marked in slingwell. Lumb Woodworking as a subcontractor provided replacement stocks during WWII. However, I have been unable to find this cartouche in my reference materials. I think that BA over IAB is Benecia Arsenal (not sure) and I don't recognize the initials IAB. Would appreciate a heads-up if you recognize it.

Thanks,

 

[RH Scott]

Never seen anything like that one. The IAB looks handstruck. Location looks odd as well. Have seen them on the butt and on the bottom of the pistol grip but not here.

Where did you get the rifle? Do you trust the source?

Edit: Just looks more odd the more that I look at it. Too fresh and sharp.

 

[Wiliamb]

The stock is fine. It came from the DCM in the sixties. I don't find anything unusual about it other than not recognizing the inspector initials. Go to the bottom of page 121 in the Reish book and you will see an example of another well struck cartouche. Or go to the Brophy book and you will see similar cartouche palcement between the trigger and receiver. Nothing unique here about the way it looks.