Inland Division M1 Carbine Serial Numbers

The.03/06s have the lower serial numbers (001~100) and their physical dimensions are not identical to the American-made Garands. The wood is not interchangeable, nor are most of the other parts, other than, possibly, the actions. The M1 carbine is modeled after the last production model that Inland manufactured in 1945 and features a type 3 bayonet lug / barrel band, adjustable rear sights, push button safety, round bolt, “low wood” walnut stock, and a 15–round magazine.

I posted this same to the New Member thread but this subforum might be a better place for my question. I am trying to track down information on my United States Section of the Milsurp Knowledge Library.', BGCOLOR, '#DDDDDD', BORDERCOLOR, '#000000', BORDERWIDTH, '1',FOLLOWMOUSE, 0, OFFSETX, -10, OPACITY, '95', FADEIN, '25', FADEOUT, '25', CLICKCLOSE, true,FOLLOWSCROLL, true, PADDING, 0, BALLOON, 1 ,ABOVE, false, TITLE1, 'United States - Milsurp Knowledge Library',LINKURL, 'https://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=132-united-states', SHOWCLOSE, 0, BALLOONIMGPATH , 'autolinker/images/balloons/yellow'); microAjax('autolinker/autolinker_stats.php?uid=0&fid=110&t=v&kw=M1', function (res) {;});'>M1 Carbine made by Inland Division. The serial number is XC 43 which is unusual based on what I have read. Any thoughts on that particular serial number, when made, etc.? I read on one site that the 'X' designation at the front of the serial number (as opposed to the end which indicates a duplicate serial number, I believe) indicated either an experimental version and/or a carbine given to an Inland Division employee. Can anyone confirm if that is true? If so, that would be very interesting as this particular carbine was given to my grandfather who was an GM employee during the 40s.
Thanks.
Inland Division M1 Carbine Serial Numbers

Inland M1 Carbine Serial Dates

My Step-Dad has said he will sell me his Inland Division M1 Carbine to me for a fair price. I do not have access to the gun at this point so I have no pictures. I have looked at several forums and see prices all over the map so to speak. The serial number is 5526xxx. Not being familiar with carbines, I really don't know where to look besides the back of the receiver for numbers, cartouches, etc. One thing I can say for sure is that the stock is in rough condition. At one time he sanded it down and then applied a new finish to it. All the dents and such now show up as dark spots while the rest of the stock is lighter in color and is smooth and shiny. Not original by a long shot. The metal seems in good shape, no obvious rust or flaws. Also, the inside of the barrel is nice and bright.
My Step-Dad needs the money, but I don't want to pay more than it is worth. I figure the stock refinish will really take a bite out of the collector value and Inland is the most common M1 made. Advice on value would be very helpful, along with some pointers on where and what to look for regarding matching serial numbers and possible problems. I did shoot it several years ago when he brought it down to my range, but it hasn't been shot since. He has two 30 round and two 15 round mags, along with a sling, to go with it.