M1 carbine bottom pistol grip marking identification

[lweinlan]

Dear members, could someone identify and let me know the signification of the "A" and "5" markings as seen in the pictures ? Markings are located under the pistol grip of a WW2 M1 carbine. Are they US WW2 markings, post-WW2 markings, foreign markings, refurbished markings, arsenal markings ? The stock has a RMC cartouched, a RMC in sling well and no other markings besides those "A" and "5" markings under the pistol grip. What are they ?? Thanks

[Flyin Brian]

RMC stands for Rock-ola Manufacturing Corporation. I'm not sure what you mean by "cartouched RMC" but I would expect to see a crossed cannons stamp on the right side of the butt somewhere. I doubt there is any meaning to the A or the 5. Rock-ola made stocks for other manufacturers too, so it doesn't necessarily mean it was originally issued on a Rock-ola carbine.

[lweinlan]

thank you. Yes, it is a Rock-Ola stock. It is mounted on a IBM carbine. I read in a forum post that Rock-Ola delivered stocks to IBM, so I think that the Rock-Ola stock is indeed original to the IBM carbine.

But the RMC markings are not really the issue, what puzzles me is this "A" and "5" ?? ... I searched for an answer regarding the meaning of "A" and "5" under the pistol grip but could not find anything. I would really like to know what the "A" and "5" mean ???

Thanks

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

IIRC, most likely inspector's stamps applied during an arsenal rebuild.

[ccandgc]

+1 ^. Armorers mark, or even a rack number....