Irwin Pedersen....M-1 Carbine?
Not knowing much about this particular model gun, can someone enlighten me as to why Irwin Pedersen comes into the picture? What special value is assigned to items marked "IP" or "PI?" Thanks in advance!
Contrary to what you may have been told, "Green Jello is a Side Dish, NOT Dessert!"
Contrary to what you may have been told, "Green Jello is a Side Dish, NOT Dessert!"
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Over 6,200,000 M1 carbines were produced during WWII by the 11 contractors. Irwin-Pedersen Arms Co. was one of the 11 contractors, but they produced less than 4,000 carbines, making theirs rather scarce today.
An all original I-P carbine would be highly sought after. Parts made by them would also be sought after by collectors attempting to restore a rebuilt I-P carbine.
Neal0 -
Thanks, Neal!
Contrary to what you may have been told, "Green Jello is a Side Dish, NOT Dessert!"0 -
Just so you'll know the rest of the story Paul; the Irwin-Pederson carbine program was a total disaster! Well known firearms designer John D. Pederson (of Pederson Device fame) lent his name to the organization, but the firm was actually controled by brothers Robert and Earle Irwin, who's firm had previously maunfactured home furnishings and steel framed sports stadium seats (the kind that have the fixed back and hindged seat). Although a contract was signed between I-P and the government in early 1942 with production to begin right away, not a SINGLE carbine was produced that year by I-P and the government began to grow tired of excuses.
I-P next promised carbine deliveries by March, 1943, but in Febuary they were still in contact with Winchester as to how to utilize production machinery to produce the guns! The very first I-P carbines were practically hand made and delivered to Aberdeen Proving Grounds for testing on 8 March, 1943. The five test pieces suffered a total of 102 malfunctions and this does not include the two examples that suffered cracked receivers shortly after testing began! I-P produced 3,542 carbines, but very few were qualified for release to the government due to poor functioning. At the end of 1943 Uncle Sam reached the end of his rope and I-P had their contract cancelled. There is lots more to the story, but you know I'm an M1 Garand man and the carbines are far not my area of expertise.
Mark T. Christian0 -
That is, Indeed, very interesting! Mark, you've filled a gap for me. I have seen several web sites that talks about production numbers of these guns by various companys but none even remotely mentioned the Irwin Pedersen. I was told of such by someone and now my curiosity is really up! Sounds like an original example of one of these might be a real collector item!
Anyone else have some to add to this? This is very informative! Thanks, Mark.....as always, your comments are appreciated.
Contrary to what you may have been told, "Green Jello is a Side Dish, NOT Dessert!"0
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