WWII Rock-Ola M1 Carbine RockOla .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2075
LSB#: 220209FH017
Make: Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 6084026
Year of Manufacture: April to June, 1944 (page 30 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 “ROCK-OLA / 6084026” on the rear. The barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA” and “P”. The gas piston housing is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “flaming bomb” to the rear of the gas piston. The trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right rear which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “B/R in a circle” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “cc / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 100-101 & 185). The rotary safety is marked “circled S” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95 & 185). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “2” and “IO” on the left lug which are Inland marks (page 36). The front sight is marked “RP” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “I.R.CO. / 7160060” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 29 & 185). The Type IA barrel band is marked “UI” which is an Inland and National Postal Meter (NPM) mark (page 59). The inside of the handguard is marked “Q-RMC” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 138). The sling well is marked “RMC” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 108-109). The right side of the stock is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche. The recoil plate is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 135). The barrel band spring is marked “R M C” which is a Rock-Ola mark not listed in our reference material. The rear of the magazine is marked “R-JLC (intertwined)” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 142 -143). The bottom of the trigger guard has “L. CASTILLO” lightly etched into it in small letters.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is Type III adjustable aperture assembly.
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. The buttplate shows small scrapes. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled; many have darkened with age. 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling in the grooves that should clean up a bit. There is light intermittent erosion in the grooves at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.7.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows light scrapes & handling marks. The top front of the barrel shows a small deep scratch. The front of the barrel shows light discoloration from both oiling and oxidation. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. It shows scrapes and thin scratches. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
The Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation was a top maker of jukeboxes. Starting in 1935, Rock-Ola sold more than 400,000 jukeboxes under the Rock-Ola brand name. It is thought to have inspired the term Rock & Roll. During WWII Rock-Ola was one of the many companies who helped with the war effort. Rock-Ola only produced about 3.7% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines. Due to both the relative rarity of Rock-Ola M1 Carbines and the distinctive name, Rock-Ola M1 Carbines prized among collectors.
This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine was made back in 1944. It has been rebuilt but still retains many of its original Rock-Ola parts including its “ROCK-OLA” marked barrel. The rifle looks good and can do lots of work out at the range. This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine will make a nice addition to your collection. Good luck.