WWII Rock-Ola M1 M-1 Carbine U.S. .30CAL 18” Semi Auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,311.56
LSB#: LSB250604CM011
Make: Rock-Ola Music Corporation.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4537218
Year of Manufacture: November 1943-March 1944 Most Likely 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “ROCK-OLA”, and “4537218”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” about mid length, toward the muzzle is marked “ROCK-OLA”. The gas block is marked “ROCK-OLA”. The left side of the chamber has a small flaming bomb test mark.
Import Mark: “IOINC MELBOURNE FL” located at the bottom of the barrel.
The front sight is unmarked
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O.”-for International Register CO.
The magazine release button is marked “M”
The receiver block in the stock is marked “W” Winchester
The inside of the upper handguard is unmarked
The hammer is marked “S’G’” Saginaw Gear
The trigger group is unmarked
The sear is marked “W” Winchester
The barrel band is marked “J.M.Q.”
The safety is marked “SS” a post war rebuild part.
The sling cut is unmarked
The slide is marked “PI” on the inside. For Packard Inland.
The magazine is marked “U”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, a rotary safety and a checkered metal butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The upper handguard is missing a large chip of wood on the inside of the nose that is not visible from the outside. There are no visible cracks. The wood shows moderate to heavy compressions, nicks, scratches and lines scattered throughout. The buttplate has lost its finish, developed surface and is slightly loose. Overall the stock set is in Fair+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and clean with well defined rifling. There is no visible pitting or erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish has turned brown/green with oil and age. The bolt shows very little rub wear. The friction surfaces of the receiver show rub wear. The barrel, front sight, and trigger group show the majority of the finish loss. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall the rifle is in Good to Good+ condition with how excellent the bore is.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: One 15 round magazine in Excellent 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: This rifle includes the magazine.
Our Assessment: This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine produced in November–December 1943 is a WWII-era U.S. military semi-automatic rifle chambered in .30 Carbine. Rock-Ola, better known for manufacturing jukeboxes, was one of the ten prime contractors selected to produce M1 Carbines during the war, contributing just over 228,000 rifles, making them one of the rarer wartime manufacturers. The compact, lightweight design and 15-round magazine made the M1 Carbine ideal for support troops, paratroopers, and officers needing a firearm with greater range than a pistol but lighter and handier than the M1 Garand.
The M1 Carbine itself was adopted in 1941 as the U.S. military sought a versatile, easy-to-use rifle for troops not on the front lines but still requiring defensive capability. It quickly proved itself in every theater of the war and went on to see service in Korea and Vietnam. Rock-Ola’s contribution is particularly noteworthy for its precision craftsmanship despite the company’s prewar focus on jukebox manufacturing. Collectors value Rock-Ola carbines for their relative scarcity, distinctive markings, and the unique wartime history of a peacetime entertainment manufacturer pivoting to critical arms production during one of the most demanding military mobilizations in history. Don’t let the exterior of this rifle fool you; it appears to be a total sleeper with a fantastic bore. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
