Hi, Eaglejames,
I'll try to get you started on what to look for. Can you at least give thr firt 2-3 numbers of the serial number? There's a LOT of difference between 1,000 and 99,000. An M1 could be worth $350-3,000.00 - "the devil is in the details". Some things to look for starters:
1) Pull back the operating rod until it locks - look in the space where it was when forward. There should be a series of letters and numbers, a few of which indicate the date of the barrel. Report what you see.
2) Stock - Look on the left side of the stock - there MAY be letters in a box there just above the trigger guard.
Look on the right side of the rear sight - is there a little steel "box" over the windage knob? Are the knob "lined" or knurled?
There are several other things to look for, but that will get you started. You might have a real find or just a common poat-WWII rebuild.
Let us know!