WWII National Postal Meter M1 Carbine NPM M-1 .30 Semi Auto Rifle C&R
Sold For: $1,350.00
LSB#: 220627SH024
Make: National Postal Meter (NPM)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1478620
Year of Manufacture: April to June, 1943 (page 29 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide).
Barrel Date: February, 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine. There is NO 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 / 1478620” on the rear. The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2 – 43 / flaming bomb”. Underwood supplied barrels for NPM (page 50-51 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). The right rear of the trigger group is marked “S’G’ ” which is a Saginaw S’G’ mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “WA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 89-90). The magazine release is marked “BR” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with NPM and others (page 95). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 65 & 66). The left bolt lug is marked “AI” which is an Inland mark. The front sight is marked “NN” which is an NPM mark (page 56). The Type II rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which was used by other manufacturers (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is marked “KVB” which is an IBM mark (page 59-60 & 185). The underside of the hanguard is marked “LW” which is a Winchester mark (page 138). The sling well is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester; the markings may have been lost to refinishing (page 108 – 109).
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.
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 wood shows scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are light gray. The rifling is deep. There is erosion at the muzzle and light intermittent erosion in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The sides of the receiver and trigger group show scrapes & light thinning under the wood. The barrel shows an area of thinning under the barrel band. The left front of the receiver shows a hole filled with epoxy. The metal shows scrapes and small scratches. The exposed portion of the barrel shows light discoloration from oxidation. The receiver, operating slide and bolt show operational wear. The markings range from deep to defined. 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: There is NO magazine.
The rifle comes with a green canvas sling.
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.
National Postal Meter (NPM) was one of several contractors who tooled up during WWII to produce M1 Carbines in support of the war effort. NPM rushed into the war effort as did other companies with no firearms background. At the time of their first contract NPM 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. Despite these issues NPM was able to produce about 6.8% of the total number of WWII M1 Carbines.
This National Postal Meter M1 Carbine was built back in 1943. It has been rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts but still retains some NPM parts. The metal and wood have been refinished so the rifle looks impressive for a military service rifle that is almost 80 years old. This is a good looking M1 Carbine that should be a lot of fun to take out the range…once you add a magazine. Good luck.
