This is a fantastic example of an all original World War II T-3 Carbine as manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. This is one of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 T-3 carbines manufactured, in their own serial number range, in early/mid 1944 specifically for use with these early infrared sniper scopes. Very few surviving examples of T-3 carbines are known today, as 99% of these T-3 carbines were demilitarized after World War II and replaced by the M3 infrared sniper scope conversion package for use with a standard M1 carbine that uses a separate mounting bar fitted to the top of a standard receiver, whereas the T-3 carbine is only capable of being used with the earlier model of infrared scope as seen on this rare example offered. In response to Allied troops undergoing surprise night attacks from the Japanese throughout the war, approximately 200 T-3 carbines equipped with the M2 infrared scope were employed overseas to see active combat in the later Pacific campaigns of World War II, and are known to have inflicted a massive amount of casualties against the Japanese troops during the night; considered to be the first successful combat use of night vision, and a massive evolutionary leap in small arms that laid the groundwork for modern day military sniper systems. The M2 infrared sniper scope mounts on top of the integral receiver base of the T-3 carbine, with the large infrared emitter lens mounted underneath forend of the stock ahead of a pistol grip with a trigger switch. The right side of the integral receiver scope mount is marked "U.S. CARBINE/CAL. 30 T-3" with the heel of the receiver marked "WINCHESTER/01948". Undated "W" barrel, diamond "D" marked barrel band with bayonet lug, "W" slide, Type III "W" parkerized round bolt, "W" heel plate, "W" milled trigger guard, "W" hammer, "W" magazine catch with the "M" marked face, "EW" push button safety, and "J" thirty-round M2 magazine. "W" two-rivet handguard and T-3 stock with the large flat belly front bulbous forend which is fitted with the M2 infrared emitter lens and pistol grip. The included M2 infrared scope system is a genuine World War II version complete with the heavy power cable, "SNIPERSCOPE, M-1" power supply box, along with the front infrared emitter and pistol grip. Also includes a T23 clamp-on flash hider. Interarms import marked on the left of the barrel; a strong indication this carbine spent time overseas. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Very fine, retains 85% original parkerized finish with areas of brown patina on the receiver and operating rod handle, and sharp markings in the metal. Stock is also very fine with defined edges and some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Scope is also very fine with some light scratches. Scope and infrared system untested. As a very fine example of a rare World War II T-3 carbine equipped with its night vision setup, this would make an excellent addition to any U.S. Military arms collection!