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M1 Carbine Magazines

RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
in Ask the Experts

I have an M! carbine magazine which may have come out of the Winchester factory in New Haven, Ct, circa WW-II.

The only markings I can find are a faint but very clear "BW" on the lower rear back of the main mag. (i.e. not the base plate)

Does anyone know what these letters may signify?

Also, I have reason to believe that my carbine may be a rare piece. I've been given an estimate of $10,000.00 but haven't been able to confirm the validity of the appraiser.

Any suggestions on a good contact for a high end auction house? It appears that I could sell it easily enough for 2 or 3 $K, but don't want to let it go cheap if the higher estimates may be legit.

Any info/opinions greatly appreciated.

RCrosby

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Comments

  • Toolman286Toolman286 Member Posts: 3,205 ✭✭✭✭

    BW is a Winchester mag by Bridgeport Metal Goods. Could have either a type 1 or 5 base.

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  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭

    Awesome. Thanks for the info.

    Difference between type 1 and 5 bases?

    Did WW make any of their own mags?

    My dad worked in the ballistics lab in New Haven during the war and I suspect that's where the mag came from.

    Rob

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  • FeelthySanchezFeelthySanchez Member Posts: 15 ✭

    $10K? Really. Was this an "estimate" from FaceBarf?

    If you've been stumped by a simple magazine ID, there's very little hope to fetch this fanta$y price.

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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,886 ✭✭✭✭

    I may be the only forum member left who has seen photos of Rob's carbine.

    Rob is correct, he has an unusual variant that is likely to bring a high price at auction. I base that on the fact that his carbine is minty & the "serial number" is a single letter of the alphabet. My memory is hazy, but I don't recall seeing any proofs stamped on the gun. I believe that it is a "presentation" gun, given away by a manager at the factory during, or immediately after, WW2. I think anyone's guess of it's value may be "correct".

    We have several great dealers who sell high dollar guns on Gunbroker, so I would sooner use one of them to sell an unusual gun . They can post 80-100 photos, but some of the brick & mortar dealers post only 1-2 pictures. YMMV.

    Neal

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  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭

    Neal,

    Thanks for joining the conversation. I'm talking with an auction house in Maine, in part because it will be easy for me to have them do a hands on assessment. I'm in no hurry, but will be sure to post any progress.

    I'll find out more about the Maine auction house. Poulins, IIRC. I'd be interested in finding out more about one or more of the dealers you referenced.

    Merry Christmas, Happy HOlidays, whatever plays your tune.

    Rob

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  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,173 ✭✭✭

    ^

    Have you checked with Amoskeag or James DeJulia - Amoskeag is close by. DeJulia takes photos on line.

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  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭

    Will check both out. Thanks!

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