National Postal Meter (NPM) MATCHING M1 Carbine, Parkerized 18” Nonimport Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1943-1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,262.00
LSB#: 160429JE01
Make: National Postal Meter (NPM)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4167300
Year of Manufacture: Receiver November, 1943 – June, 1944 (http://m1family.com/topic21.html); Barrel Date: 11-1943
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 / 4167300” on the rear. The bottom of the receiver is double stamped “21”. The barrel is marked “BUFFALO ARMS / 11-1943 flaming bomb” and “P”. Buffalo Arms supplied barrels for NPM (page 28-29 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). The barrel flat is marked “circled M” and with a partially stamped “crossed cannons” cartouche. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “9” and “N” which is an NPM mark (page 48). The hammer is partially marked “HI” was used by NPM and two other manufacturers (page 59). The magazine release is marked “SN” which is an NPM mark (page 67). The safety is marked “SN” which is an NPM mark (page 63). The inside of the operating slide is marked “N” which is an NPM mark and “13” which is a production code (page 41). The left lug of the bolt is marked “N” which is a NPM mark and “14” a production code (page 19). The Type I barrel band is marked “5” and “UN” which is an NPM mark (page 37). The front sight is marked “SN” which is an NPM and Standard Products mark (page 34). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the right and “N-A” on the left, which is an NPM mark (page 17). The sling well of the Type II stock is marked “TN” which is an NPM mark (page 73). The underside of the handguard is marked “OI” which is an NPM and Inland mark (page 85). The rear of the 30 round magazine is marked “M2”, upside down. This is listed a miscellaneous mark (page 88).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I dual aperture assembly.
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 top of the handguard shows small scrapes. The bottom of the buttstock shows a deep compression mark. The right side of the grip shows light scrapes and compression marks. There are various other light marks. The marks on the stock have been finished over. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition, as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is crisp. There is frosting near the muzzle; this portion of the bore is semi bright. The bore shows an M.E. of 3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The outer edge of the muzzle shows an indentation. The charging handle shows a deep vertical score. The front sight shows scrapes. The rear sight shows small scratches. The bolt and right side of the receiver show some thinning consistent with cycling. The metal shows discoloration from oxidation and light thinning on the leading edges. The remainder of the metal shows scuffs and light handling marks. The buttplate appears to have been sand blasted (cleaned). The screw heads are intact. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to 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 a 30 round magazine that shows scrapes and some thinning from insertion and removal. It is in about Very Good to Fine condition. The magazine is not available to residents of California or any other jurisdiction with magazine capacity restrictions.
Our Assessment: This National Postal Meter M1 carbine was built during WWII. It is in nice shape with all matching parts, which is very rare. The wood has been refinished and the metal has great markings. This is a very collectible M1 carbine that will add nicely to a collection.
Here is some interesting information on NPM from http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/manufacturers.html: “A week after America’s entry into WWII, National Postal Meter and the Todd Corporation partnered to start the Rochester Defense Corporation. It was this company that negotiated for the contract to produce M1 Carbines. Shortly after the approval of their 2nd contract, but before production started, Rochester Defense Corporation was dissolved and its assets merged into National Postal Meter. At the time of their first contract, the company 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 buildings concrete floor and literally shooting under the feet of the production line. (NPM) Had some of the finest walnut. Performance testing gave them the highest rating in adverse conditions. (NPM) made no barrels…National Postal Meter Company changed the name of their company to Commercial Controls Corporation on April 26, 1944. The same month they ceased carbine production. The 239 Commercial Controls M1 Carbines were assembled from leftover parts and provided to U.S. Army Ordnance in August 1945.”
