National Postal Meter M1 Carbine Matching NPM .30 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2225
LSB#: 210925MZ71
Make: National Postal Meter (NPM)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4302735
Year of Manufacture: January to March, 1944 (page 29 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” on the front and “NATIONAL / POSTAL METER / 4302735” on the rear. The bottom of the receiver is stamped “23”. The barrel is marked “I.B.M. CORP.” and “P”. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “N” which is an NPM mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production); the left rear is marked “14”. The hammer is marked “HN” which is an NPM mark (page 89-90). The magazine release is marked “SN” which is an NPM mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked “SN” which is an NPM mark (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “N” which is an NPM mark and “13” which is a production code (page 65 & 66). The left lug of the bolt is marked “N” which is a NPM mark and “14” a production code (page 36). The front sight is marked “N” which was used by NPM and others (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “TN” on the right which was used by NPM and IBM (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is marked “UI” on the band and “UN” on the swivel which are NPM marks (page 59 & 60). The underside of the handguard is marked “TN” which is an NPM mark (page 138). The sling well is marked “TRIMBLE / TN” which is an NPM mark (page 108 – 109). The right side of the butt is marked with a “boxed” National Postal Meter acceptance stamp containing “NPM / FJA”. It is next to an Ordnance Department “crossed cannons” cartouche (page 121 & 125). The rear of the magazine is marked “MN” which is an NPM mark (page 142 -143).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I dual flip up aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. There is a hairline surface crack to the rear of the trigger guard. It does not flex when pressure is applied. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ? inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized & Gun Paint
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are grey. The rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.9.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish as refinished. The receiver shows areas of discoloration under the wood. The front sight & trigger guard show scrapes. The metal shows other scuffs & handling marks. The right side of the receiver shows light thinning from cycling the action. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle has a green canvas sling attached. It shows light scrapes & oxidation on the metal as well as light soiling on the canvas. It is in about Very Good Plus condition. The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. It shows light scrapes and a few small scratches. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. There is a rubber grip cover on the bottom of the magazine. It shows scrapes & discoloration. It is in about Very Good condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
Our Assessment: This National Postal Meter M1 Carbine was built back in 1944. The metal has been refinished and the wood has been oiled so it looks great for a 77 year old service rifle. This M1 NPM Carbine uses all NPM parts and has nice markings metal & wood. This M1 Carbine will add nicely to your collection.
Here is some interesting information on NPM from www.uscarbinecal30.com/manufacturers.html : “A week after America’s entry into WWII, National Postal Meter and the Todd Corporation partnered to start the Rochester Defense Corporation. It was this company that negotiated for the contract to produce M1 Carbines. Shortly after the approval of their 2nd contract, but before production started, Rochester Defense Corporation was dissolved and its assets merged into National Postal Meter. At the time of their first contract, the company had no tools, no employees, and no location for building carbines. National Postal Meter’s test fire range was built by raising the floor of the carbine manufacturing plant three feet above the building’s concrete floor and literally shooting under the feet of the production line…Performance testing gave them the highest rating in adverse conditions. (NPM) made no barrels…National Postal Meter Company changed the name of their company to Commercial Controls Corporation on April 26, 1944. The same month they ceased carbine production. The 239 Commercial Controls M1 Carbines were assembled from leftover parts and provided to U.S. Army Ordnance in August 1945.”