National Postal Meter M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Semi-auto Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB251216DH185
Make: National Postal Meter
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1452854
Year of Manufacture: February 1943-September 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “National Postal Meter 1452854”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. Carbine”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked “SAGINAW SG. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS”, a flaming bomb, and two “P” proofs.
The barrel band is marked “SA” Springfield Armory
The slide is marked “ROCK-OLA”
The rear sight is marked “J.A.O. 7160060” JA Otterbein
The oiler is marked “ISI”
The upper handguard is marked “IO” Inland Overton
The magazine is marked “MN” Mattatuck MFG Co. for National Postal Meter
The trigger group is marked “BE-B” IBM
The hammer is marked “-U-” Underwood
The magazine catch is marked “CCM”
The rotary safety is marked “SS”
The stock is marked “SA” Springfield Armory
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a later style sliding adjustable 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 two rivet upper handguard, type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, rotary safety and a checkered metal butt plate. The wood has been sanded and refinished. This stock is a post war replacement made by the Springfield Armory. The wood shows some minor scattered compressions and lines. There are some small chips in the edges of the sling, and spring cuts. There are no cracks. The length of pull is 13.25″. The metal butt plate has been refinished and shows pitting and rub marks underneath the finish. The well defined checkering shows some surface rust forming in the lines. Overall the stock set is in about Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: The rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is minor visible erosion/pitting in the edges of the grooves of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The rifle shows finish loss and thinning throughout. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show rub wear. The slide and trigger guard’s finish have turned brown and green with age. The markings are mostly clear, and the screw heads are sharp. There is surface rust developing in the rear bevel markings. The action is smooth. Overall this rifle is in about Fair+-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 a magazine, sling, and oiler.
Our Assessment: This M1 Carbine was manufactured by National Postal Meter in 1943, one of the more unique prime contractors as a company originally known for producing postage meters before transitioning into wartime arms production. The rifle is fitted with a barrel produced by Saginaw Steering Gear, a common and appropriate subcontractor pairing seen on many carbines during and after wartime service.
Following World War II, the rifle was refurbished at Springfield Armory, as indicated by the Springfield Armory replacement stock and barrel band. These arsenal rebuilds were standard practice to update and service carbines for continued use during the Cold War, often resulting in a mix of components from various manufacturers. This example represents a classic postwar rebuild, combining its original 1943 production receiver with later Springfield Armory updates, reflecting the long service life typical of the M1 Carbine platform. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.