National Postal Meter (NPM) M1 Carbine, NRA Paperwork, Parkerized 18” Nonimport Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $972.89
LSB#:
160416PB01

Make: National Postal Meter (NPM)

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 1547270

Year of Manufacture: February, 1943 – September, 1943 (http://m1family.com/topic21.html); No Barrel Date

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, 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 “NATIONAL / POSTAL METER / 1547270” on the rear. The barrel is marked “Marlin” on the top and “P” under the barrel band. Marlin supplied barrels for NPM so this is a correct NPM barrel marking (page 29 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). The trigger group is marked “INLAND” on the right rear which is an Inland mark (page 48). The hammer is marked “AM B” which is an IBM mark (page 59). The magazine release is marked “M” and “W.I” which was used by Inland and Underwood (page 66). The safety lever is marked “J.A.O.” which is a rebuild mark (page110). The inside of the operating slide is marked “.U.” in a circle” which is an Underwood mark (page 41). The left bolt lug is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 19). The Type III barrel band is marked “JI” which is an Inland mark (page 37). The front sight is marked “EU” which is a Quality Hardware, IBM and Underwood mark (page 34). The Type II rear sight is marked “PI” which is a mark used by Inland and Saginaw Gear (page 17). The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof and “101” in paint. The sling well is marked “M-U” which is an Underwood mark (page 73). The underside of the handguard is marked with a faded “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 85). The recoil plate is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 83). The right side of the buttstock is marked “.U.” which is a rebuild marking for the Underwood-Elliot-Fisher company (a private contractor; page 109). The right side of the stock is marked “UEF/GHD” and with a crossed canons cartouche. These are early Underwood markings.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable Type II aperture.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal barrel band, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The underside of the forearm shows a deep scrape. The rear of the buttstock is missing several small chips of wood next to the buttplate. The right side of the butt shows several thin scratches from sanding. The wood shows various other scrapes and compression marks. Most of 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 overall condition, as refinished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original Barrel and Receiver. Arsenal Refinished Parts.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is crisp. There is some frosting in one of the grooves at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. Many of the small parts have been refinished. The barrel shows scrapes from the barrel band and some discoloration from oxidation. The top of the sights show light thinning. The buttplate and trigger guard show a few scrapes and light thinning on the edges. The bolt and right side of the receiver shows thinning consistent with cycling. The screw heads show light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine 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 an unmarked green canvas sling. The metal shows scrapes and oxidation. The canvas shows discoloration on the wood side. The sling is in about Very Good to Fine condition. The rifle also comes with three sheets of paper related to its sale in 1963 from the Red River Army Depot, through a National Rifle Association (NRA) program. One sheet is marked “REQUISITION AND INVOICE”, “NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION” and with the purchasers information. The other two sheets are marked “RED RIVER ARMY DEPOT / TEXARKANA TEXAS”. Please see photos. The paperwork is discolored and creased on the edges. The paperwork is in about Very Good Plus condition. No magazine is included.

Our Assessment: This National Postal Meter M1 carbine was built during WWII. After the war it was eventually refurbished (we believe) by the Underwood-Elliot-Fisher company. The rifle was purchased from the Red River Army Depot in Texas back in 1963. The rifle was purchased through a National Rifle Association NRA program and comes with paperwork related to this sale. The rifle is in nice shape with a strong bright bore. The rifle has lots of life left in it and would make a nice addition to your collection. Good luck.

National Postal Meter (NPM) M1 Carbine, NRA Paperwork, Parkerized 18” Nonimport Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1943 C&R
National Postal Meter (NPM) M1 Carbine, NRA Paperwork, Parkerized 18” Nonimport Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1943 C&R