WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,455.00
LSB#: LSB251216DH190
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1597882
Year of Manufacture: Receiver February-September 1943, Barrel date 5-1943
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 “1597882”. The bevel is also marked “1597882”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked “INLAND MFG. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS 5-43”. There is a “P” about 5″ back from the front sight. The barrel flat is marked with the usual Inland hieroglyphics and “BI”. This barrel is produced by BROWN-LIPE-CHAPLIN division of G.M.C.. During 1943 B.I. produced 90,000 extra barrels for use on carbines. These barrels are considered to be the finest of the “FREE ISSUE” barrels sent out to prime contractors that did not produce their own barrels.
The front sight is unmarked
The rear sight is marked “S” and “B-Q” QHMC
The slide is marked “DA-Q” A. Dalkin and Co. for QHMC
The barrel band is unmarked
The bolt is marked “EM-Q” Elgin Metal Novelty Co. for QHMC
The trigger group is marked “Q-NL” for National Lock Co, made for QHMC
The magazine release button is marked “CCM”
The hammer is marked “Q-LT” for Ludlow Typograph for QHMC
The sear is marked “GE-Q” Gerrard CO. for QHMC
The magazine is marked “G-Q” Groetchen Tool Co. for QHMC
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “RMC” for Rock-Ola Music Co.
The stock is marked in the sling cut with “LW-B” possibly for Lumb Woodworking. There are two “P” stamps on the grip. The left flank of the stock is marked “A A A AU G”. Normally I would say these stamps would be from an arsenal rebuild or inspection but only the first A appears to be the correct size and font. Similar to the LW-B mark in the sling well being too large and upside down.
The oiler is marked “IC”
The Stock mounted mag carrier is marked “UPDIKE AWNING CO. 1943”
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, low-wood with a 2-rivet upper handguard, type 2 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. The wood shows some minor compressions and lines scattered throughout. The right side of the upper handguard has split at the nose and is missing a chip. This is not visible from the outside of the handguard. There are some small chips around the bottom of the lug. The rear edge of the lug shows a small crack forming. The edges of the butt shows small chips as well. The butt plate has been refinished and shows some rub wear and dulled checkering. Overall the stock set is in Fair+-Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is very minor erosion visible in the bore. The bore shows lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish has turned brown/green from age. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show minor rub wear. The barrel shows some brown spots from old oil. 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. The safety is slightly tough to push, with proper oil this problem should be able to be repaired. 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, sling, oiler, and stock dual magazine pouch.
Our Assessment: This Quality Hardware & Machine Co. (QHMC) U.S. M1 Carbine features a receiver produced between February and September 1943, paired with an Inland barrel dated May 1943. The barrel flat is marked with the typical Inland “hieroglyphics” along with “BI,” indicating production by the Brown-Lipe-Chaplin division of General Motors, a known supplier of approximately 90,000 “free issue” barrels in 1943 for contractors such as QHMC that did not manufacture their own. These BI-marked barrels are widely regarded as among the finest of the free-issue types and are correct for this production window.
The carbine exhibits a strong and highly consistent QHMC parts assembly, including a rear sight, slide by A. Dalkin & Co., bolt by Elgin Metal Novelty Co., and a trigger housing by National Lock Co. Additional correct subcontractor components include the hammer, sear and even a “G-Q” magazine by Groetchen Tool Co., all aligned with Quality Hardware production. Overall the carbine represents a well-matched example of a mid-1943 QHMC with proper use of subcontracted and free-issue components. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.