WWII Quality Hardware M1 Carbine US U.S. .30 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
Sold For: $1,350.00
LSB#: 220627SH011
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1898695
Year of Manufacture: October to December, 1943 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide. Barrel Date: 9 – 43.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Magazine. There is No 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. / 1898695” on the rear. The barrel is marked “INLAND MFD. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 9 – 43” and “P” under the barrel band. Inland supplied barrels for Quality Hardware (page 50 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The left rear of the trigger group is marked “NL-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “LTR” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 89). The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 100). The push button safety is smooth and unmarked which is consistent with Quality Hardware and others (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “EM-Q” on the right lug which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “J Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “I.R.CO. / 7160060” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “C” which is a Winchester mark (pages 59-60). The sling well is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is unmarked which is consistent with a post WWII rebuild (page 138).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type III 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 and recoil plate have been coated in lacquer. They show scrapes and small scratches. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Most of the marks are light. The most prominent marks are on the left side of the grip. 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.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and intermittent erosion in the grooves. The fouling should clean up a bit. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The left side of the receiver and sides of the trigger group show scrapes & thinning under the wood. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes, small scratches and areas of light discoloration from oxidation. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
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.
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.
During WWII Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Quality H.M.C.) was one of the many companies that tooled up to produce M1 Carbines to support the war effort. Quality Hardware produced about 5.9% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines. Due to its lower production numbers Quality M1 Carbines are desired by many collectors.
This Quality M1 Carbine was made back in 1943. It has since been rebuilt. This is a good looking M1 Carbine that will be putting lead down range for a long time to come…once you add a magazine. It will add to your collection and make you smile at the range. Good luck.
