WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,778.99

LSB#: LSB251121AH002

Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co. 

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 1647882

Year of Manufacture: The block for the serial number puts the receiver somewhere around August or September of 1943

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazines, with removable spring tube. 

Markings: 

The top-rear of the receiver is marked “QUALITY H.M.C.”, and “1647882”. 

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 barrel flat has a small flaming bomb and a “2”.  

The front sight is marked “JQ” O.D. Jennings CO for QHMC   

The rear sight is marked “S” and “GE-Q” Gerrard Co. for QHMC   

The slide is marked “UN-Q” Union Switch and Signal for QHMC

The barrel band is unmarked

The trigger group is marked “Q-NL” for National Lock Co, made for QHMC

The magazine release button is marked “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph

The hammer is marked “Q-LT” for Ludlow Typograph

The sear is marked “RI”. REECE Buttonhole Machine Co.

The magazine is marked “IA” 

The inside of the upper handguard is marked “RMC” for Rock-Ola Music Co. 

The stock is marked in the sling cut with “Q-RMC” for Rock-Ola Music Co. The right side flank of the stock has a small ordnance wheel.       

Barrel Length: 18″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears.  The rear sight is an early style L type dual aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, high-wood with a 2-rivet upper handguard, type 1 barrel band, and a checkered metal butt plate. This rifle also has the cross bolt safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock has been sanded and refinished. There is an A carved into the sling cut. The wood shows some minor compressions and lines scattered throughout. The rivet holes show some chips in the edges. There are no cracks. The left side of the stock in front of the sling cut has a small chip. The butt plate has lost its finish and shows rub wear and surface rust. Overall the stock set is in Very Good condition.      

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine showing some surface rust that has gone through the finish. The magazine is in Fair-Good condition.  

Type of Finish: Parkerized / Blued

Finish Originality: Original   

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion or pitting visible in the bore. The bore shows lines from use.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.25/10.  

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish has turned brown/green from age. There are several places with surface rust forming mainly on the blued bolt. The friction surfaces of the rifle show very little wear. The action is smooth. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Good-Good+ 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: This rifle includes the magazine mentioned above.  

Our Assessment: This M1 Carbine manufactured by Quality Hardware & Machine Corp. in 1943 is a relatively scarce and collectible example from WWII. Quality Hardware produced only about 4.2% of total M1 Carbines, making its rifles less common than those from major contractors. Notably, Quality was unique in that it subcontracted nearly all its parts, focusing solely on final assembly. The Rock-Ola barrel and stock set on this example are historically appropriate and desirable, as Rock-Ola, best known as a jukebox manufacturer, produced barrels and other components for various contractors while also manufacturing complete carbines themselves.

The rifle is also fitted with a Union Switch & Signal slide, another fascinating wartime contributor. Rock-Ola was best known prewar for manufacturing jukeboxes, while Union Switch & Signal specialized in railroad signaling equipment before shifting to firearms production during WWII. Both companies adapted their industrial capabilities to support the war effort, producing critical components despite limited prior firearms experience. Altogether, this carbine reflects the remarkable industrial mobilization of American companies during the war, combining a scarce Quality Hardware receiver with historically significant Rock-Ola and Union Switch & Signal components. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.