Quality Hardware M1 Carbine .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1500
LSB#: 210911DJ55
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1656887
Year of Manufacture: July to September, 1943 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “QUALITY H.M.C. / 1656887” on the rear. The barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA” and “P”. The left rear of the trigger group is marked “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “WMB” which is an IBM mark (page 89). The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” which is a USGI replacement part (page 100). The rotary safety is marked “M inside a C” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95 & 185). The inside of the operating slide is marked “N 13” which is a National Postal Meter mark followed by a production number (page 65). The bolt is marked “3” (production number) and “OI” on the left lug which is an Inland mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “RIA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 56 & 185). The Type II rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which was used by other manufacturers (page 30). The Type III barrel band is marked “J.M.Q.” on the band and “E.M.Q.” on the lug which are Quality Hardware marks (pages 59-60). The interior of the handguard is marked “S-HB” which is a Standard Products mark (page 138). The sling well is marked “RMC” was used by Quality Hardware and others (page 108-109). The recoil plate is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 135). The interior of the sling is marked “B.M.Co. / 1944” under the snap.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type II adjustable aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes and discoloration from oxidation. The barrel band shows discoloration from oxidation and light scrapes. The wood shows several scrapes and scratches. Most of the marks are light. A few of the marks have damaged small areas of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is light intermittent erosion at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.8.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The left side of the receiver has light surface erosion showing through the new finish. The top of the barrel has a spot of surface erosion showing through the new finish, under the barrel band. This area also shows light thinning. The metal shows scuffs, light scrapes, and a few small scratches. The right side of the receiver and the front of the bolt show a small amount of light thinning consistent with cycling. The recoil plate screw head shows heavy use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine 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: There is No magazine. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling. It shows light soiling on the canvas as well as scrapes on the metal. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: During WWII approximately 6,221,220 M1 Carbines were produced. Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.) made approximately 359,666 M1 Carbines during WWII. This is about 5.9% of the total number of M1 Carbines produced. Due to its lower numbers, Quality M1 Carbines are desired by many collectors.
This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine was made back in 1943. It has since been rebuilt using a mix of Quality Hardware and USGI parts. The metal was refinished during the rebuild and the stock has been oiled. The metal still has deep markings despite being refinished. This is a nice Quality Hardware M1 Carbine that will add to your WWII or Military collection.