Lot 227

Rare WWII Experimental Stainless Barrel Winchester M1 Carbine

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Rare WWII Experimental Stainless Barrel Winchester M1 Carbine

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000

Starting Bid: $7,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Well-Documented World War II Experimental Stainless Steel Barrel Presentation Grade Winchester M1 Semi-Automatic Carbine, Formerly of the Winchester Factory Collection This is a very rare example of a World War II July 1945 production Winchester M1 Carbine factory equipped with an experimental stainless steel barrel. It appears to have been either a production sample or presentation piece intended for an important individual. The stock is beautiful factory presentation grade highly figured deluxe walnut and has no U.S. government acceptance stamps as it was retained by the factory. This exact M1 Carbine is pictured on page 1128 of the book "War Baby III: The U.S. Carbine Into the 21st Century" by Larry L. Ruth and is listed by its serial number 7278631 on page 1127 as one of six known stainless steel barrel M1 carbines, with the other examples listed being serial numbers 7239045, 7263334, 7266921, 7271074, and 7273010. This group of six stainless barreled examples were retained by the Winchester factory in their collection and later sold in the mid-1970s. An accompanying copy of a Winchester shipping release document dated July 7, 1975, lists this M1 Carbine by its serial number along with the five other mentioned M1 carbines and two M1 Garand rifles, and has a September 8, 1977, dated notarized statement at the bottom confirming it to be a true document. These experimental stainless steel barrels were developed to prevent corrosion from firing and extended periods of use in the field without cleaning. Winchester experimented with stainless steel barrels previously on some of their firearms, but found that although the material was resistant to corrosion it was harder to machine and was not ideal for wartime expedient production in the M1 Carbines. The carbine has the proper late production Winchester parts and features including the stainless steel barrel marked "W" on the bottom of the breech area, "W" trigger housing, "W" hammer, "W" magazine catch, "W" operating rod, "W" blued round bolt, "W" type III barrel band/bayonet lug assembly, "W" four-rivet handguard, "W" stock, and "W" recoil plate. It is fitted with a "BW" marked blued magazine, a period canvas web sling, an "SW" oiler. Includes a completed Carbine Club data sheet and a certificate of authenticity verifying it was once a part of the personal collection of noted author Larry L. Ruth. Note: This item features a high-capacity magazine which has a capacity above 10 rounds and is considered an assault weapon in some states. It cannot be sold or transferred to individuals in CA, CT, DC, DE, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, RI, VT, or WA. Please check your local laws and regulations prior to bidding.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: M1 Carbine

BBL: 18 inch round

Stock: highly figured walnut

Gauge: 30 Carbine

Finish: parkerized/blue/bright

Serial Number7278631

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Provenance: The Winchester Factory Collection; The Larry L. Ruth Collection; The Ron Bucholtz Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retains 99% plus original parkerized finish, 80% original blue finish on the bolt, properly bright "in the white" surfaces on the barrel with minor surface freckling, and sharp receiver markings. The stock is exceptionally fine, with minimal handling evidence, and highly attractive figure. Mechanically excellent. An attractive example of a rare experimental stainless steel barrel Winchester M1 Carbine!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000