Quality Hardware M1 Carbine (Union Switch & Signal UN-QUALITY) Parkerized 18” Nonimport Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1942-1943 C&R
SOLD FOR $1,607.00
LSB#: 151217AA05
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Company (Subcontracted Receiver by Union Switch & Signal)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4434410
Year of Manufacture: October, 1943 – March, 1944 (http://m1family.com/topic20.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 “UN-QUALITY / 4434410” on the rear. This receiver was made by Union Switch & Signal. They were a subcontractor for Quality Hardware (pages 20 – 24 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The top of the barrel is marked “W” for Winchester, with a Winchester “PW” proof and “P” under the barrel band. Winchester provided barrels for Quality Hardware (page 50). The left rear of the trigger group is faintly marked “Q-NL” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “I-I” which is an Inland mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “M/WA” which is a post WWII replacement mark (page 100 & 184). The rotary safety is marked “S in a circle” which is a post WWII replacement mark (pages 95 & 184). The inside of the operating slide is marked with a faded “DA-Q” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “EM-Q” on the right lug which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 36). The top the recoil plate is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 135). The front sight is marked “EU” on the right which is a Quality Hardware and Inland mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “I.R.CO.” which was used for other manufacturers (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “SI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The sling well is marked “TN” which is a National Postal Meter mark (page 108-109). The inside of the handguard is marked “TN” which is a National Postal Meter mark (page 138). The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof (page 122 & 183). The right side of the stock is faintly marked with the Ordnance Department’s “crossed cannons” cartouche (page 119) and with a faded “NPM / FJA” cartouche. These are correct markings for a National Postal Meter stock (page121). The metal tabs on the sling are both marked “MRT 9-62”. The inside of the sling snap is marked “UNITED CARR / BOSTON MASS”.
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 two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Some are deep and have removed small portions of surface wood. These marks have been finished over. The LOP measures 13 3/8 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. The buttplate has been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is crisp. There is a small amount of light erosion in one of the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The left side of the trigger guard shows thinning next to the wood. There is a spot of thinning on the top of the barrel, under the barrel band. The front sight, barrel, charging handle and the trigger guard show scrapes and a few light scratches. The right side of the receiver shows thinning. The screw heads show use. 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 green canvas sling that shows scrapes and oxidation on the metal tabs. It is in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This M1 Carbine was made Quality Hardware & Machine Company during WWII. The receiver was made by Union Switch & Signal (a subcontractor) and is distinctively marked “UN-QUALITY” instead of “QUALITY H.M.C.”. Here is some interesting information from http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/manufacturers.html: “The one and only part manufactured by Quality Hardware was their receiver. All other parts were provided by subcontractors and other prime contractors…The production of 28,949 receivers used by Quality Hardware was subcontracted to Union Switch & Signal. The subcontractor code assigned to Union Switch & Signal was UN. In a rare play with manufacturer’s markings, Union Switch & Signal placed the manufacturer name UN-QUALITY on the receivers, then sent them to Quality Hardware.”
