I made a quick Google search on "Suomalainen militaria", "Finish militaria" in Finish. That gave some interesting links:   The first one: https://militaria.fi/ had articles and pictures of Finish militaria.   The second: https://www.huuto.net/osasto/keraily/militaria/204 seemed to be a auction site in Finland.   Use the Google translate button in your browser if you don't understand finish. Just a quick start...   I also searched "suomalaista militariaa käsittelevä kirja" which means "Finish militaria book". That didn't give any reference books on Finish militaria but it produced this link:   https://www.doria.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/173047/Räjähtävää_voimaa_osa1-Janne-Mäkitalo_korj..pdf Which is a pdf-file about WWII in Finland. I have no idea what it says as it is in Finish. Google translate and some patiance probably will give some results.   Best regards Lars    

Lucky to be alive.

I don't know but I would think that it's probably because a lot of what China produces is cheap crap and therfore people would assume that guns produced there would be as well. I have heard that they are tough and reliable, also I have a Jane's infantry weapons book from the 90s and according to it the SKS has a longer barrel then the AK. so it has a slightly higher muzzle volacity and effective range than the AK. 

hello, Glad to share the info.  I had never even heard of the book until it showed up in the shop.  Used copies are about $200, hence I just borrowed it and did not ask to buy it for myself.  If you can find the book for under $200, I would recommend snagging it.  Vol II deals with post WWII modifications so I would pass on it.  I think there is a Vol III but I have no idea what is in that.  I am strictly a WWII guy so Vol I is the only one I am interested in.  It is a wealth of information.  It is out of print hence the steep price.   I suppose your carbine could either be a post WWII rebuild but it could be a WWII field carbine, i.e. a part was damaged or just simply swapped out during a cleaning session.  But maybe Underwood and Winchester had an 'informal' agreement to help each other out in a pinch.  I could see this.  I have been a DoD contractor over 20 years, and I have seen all sorts of collaboration between contract companies.  It helps to be friendly with the competition. One will likely never know for sure.   I knew M1 carbines were massively complicated, but I had no idea the depth of the madness.  Unless you have an early war all matching carbine, you really will never know if your carbine is 'pure'.   FYI in the book it stated barrel dates went away I think sometime in 1943.  My Rock-Ola barrel has no date which fits in with the timeframe.  Most other parts appear to be Winchester but I have not taken it apart.  But from what I know it does not really matter since Winchester was assembling carbines with left over parts from other contractors.   At first, I regretted my purchase, but now I am okay with it as it could be an 'as issued' carbine.  Will never know for sure but at least it fits the historical records.  Cheers!

This post is also in the North Korea section because it concerns both North Korean and Chinese militaria. For those of you who are not aware, I have just published my new book UNIFORMS AND FIELD GEAR OF THE NORTH KOREAN AND CHINESE FORCES: 1950-1953. It features over 400 artifacts with an additional 150+ photos, diagrams, and illustrations. The categories include Uniforms, Headgear, Footwear, Field Gear, Personal Effects, Ephemera, and Flags & Banners. I have worked on this for over 15 years to ensure it is as complete and authentic as possible. The books are printed here in the U.S.A. 212 pages, hardcover, 8.5x11 inches. If you would like to order a copy, feel free to PM me. They are $120 shipped within the United States. They are also available on eBay. Thanks for looking!

For those of you who are not aware, I have just published my new book UNIFORMS AND FIELD GEAR OF THE NORTH KOREAN AND CHINESE FORCES: 1950-1953. It features over 400 artifacts with an additional 150+ photos, diagrams, and illustrations. The categories include Uniforms, Headgear, Footwear, Field Gear, Personal Effects, Ephemera, and Flags & Banners. I have worked on this for over 15 years to ensure it is as complete and authentic as possible. The books are printed here in the U.S.A. 212 pages, hardcover, 8.5x11 inches. If you would like to order a copy, feel free to PM me. They are $120 shipped within the United States. They are also available on eBay. Thanks for looking!

"The cork helmet is covered in black wool with brass front plate and fittings. The brass ball top displays a few small indentations. The wool cover shows dust and age, but it is without damage. The front plate and fittings all show an uncleaned patina. The interior leather sweatband is intact, as is the fabric lining. The interior shell of the helmet is manufacturer marked by the firm of Hawkes & Company. The helmet is lacking the chain link chin strap. Overall very good used condition." Advertised as Victorian for $525. Any comments as to quality and price? Is it possible to find an Edwardian Chain Chin Strap to add? Any thoughts about cleaning the brass?  Thanks Larry

Thanks so much!

Thanks to both of you!   I should get that book. Very interesting.  My carbine has Winchester barrel but 1943 Underwood receiver. from what Danimal03 says, if Winchester and Underwood were the ones rewarded, Winchester wouldn't have Underwood receivers.   Do i understand that right?  Good information. I always hear about these parts sharing programs such that a rifle could come out of the factory with parts from several different contractors.  That said, and I hoped at one time to find evidence that mine is in that category, i think mine was post war rebuild with virtually all WW2 parts, i.e., flat bolt stamped SW, operating rod is Winchester, and gas cylinder stamped PI.     As for the markings, thank you!  I think did not describe correctly where the oval and W are on my barrel.  The W is near the top.  The oval is underneath the bayonet lug so you can see it unless remove the handguard and slide lug up.  I think its the WP that you have on your barrel, but i can really only see the oval markings.    as far as i can tell no bursting bomb near the muzzle.  beautiful stamps on your barrel!

I was given an Argentinian bayonet that's says Modelo Argentino 1909 on it.  The blade is in good shape, but the scabbard has a lot of rust.  What is the best way to clean it up? Does CLP work? 

There should be a PW in the oval which is the Winchester proof mark.  See the attached photo from one of my early carbines.   

The stamp on the back, according to the warrelics.eu site, designate the area within the department. I wonder what that S designates.