National Postal Meter M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle Marlin Barrel C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB260225GW001
Make: National Postal Meter
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4099378
Year of Manufacture: Late 1943 – Early 1944, most likely late 1943.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, detachable magazine fed carbine.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “NATIONAL POSTAL METER 4099378”
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked “MARLIN” and “P on top and a flaming ordnance bomb on the right flat above the gas block.
The front sight is stamped with “N”
The barrel band is marked “SI” – Inland.
The slide is marked “-U-”.- Underwood
The rear sight is marked “I.R. CO. 7160060” International Register Co.
The trigger group is marked with a faint “BE-B”- IBM
The safety is marked with an “SS” – Post War rebuild part
The magazine release button is marked “M” with a square on the face.
The hammer is marked “LT-Q” Ludlow Typograph
The sear is marked “SW-SG” Saginaw Gear
The upper handguard is unmarked.
The stock is marked with a large “9” and a “K” inside a circle.
The recoil lug is unmarked.
The mag is marked “A.I.”. Autoyre Inland.
The bayonet is marked “47040” and “1957”. The scabbard is marked “USM8A1 PWH”
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a late sliding adjustable aperture sight with knurled 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, 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 butt plate. The wood has been sanded and refinished. The wood shows scattered marks, lines, scratches and compressions with no visible cracks. The edges of the oval cut and the edges of the pommel show some minor chips. There is a notable chip in the nose. There is also a notable scratch on the right flank above the trigger guard. The grip shows a scratch that appears to be a crack but it is just a scratch. The butt plate has lost its finish, turned brown with age, and shows rub wear around the edges. Overall this stock set is in Fair-Good condition as refinished.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized/Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is very minor scattered erosion down the length of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. The finish has thinned and turned brown from age throughout. The barrel shows rub wear from the band. The friction surfaces of the action and receiver show rub wear. The action is smooth. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. There appears to be no return spring installed in the magazine catch. This spring will need to be replaced in order for the catch to function correctly however if you insert a magazine and manually push it close the magazine does stay in place. Overall this rifle is in about Fair-Fair+ 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 bayonet, scabbard and 15 round magazine.
Our Assessment: This National Postal Meter M1 Carbine was manufactured in late 1943 and represents one of the many fascinating examples of wartime industrial cooperation during World War II. National Postal Meter, originally a maker of postage meters and office equipment, was one of several civilian companies contracted to produce M1 Carbines for the U.S. military. Like many carbines that saw arsenal service and rebuilding during and after the war, this example is fitted with a mix of components from different wartime manufacturers, including a Marlin barrel, IBM trigger group, and Underwood slide, all common signs of military refurbishment and parts standardization.
Also included is a U.S. M8A1 bayonet scabbard along with a bayonet featuring what appear to be Bakelite grip scales, a distinctive material commonly seen on postwar military bayonets. The M1 Carbine became one of the most widely issued American small arms of World War II due to its lightweight handling, compact dimensions, and ease of use, serving officers, support troops, paratroopers, and countless other personnel throughout the conflict. This example’s mix of wartime contractor parts and included bayonet accessories make it a particularly interesting representation of the long service life and rebuild history common to U.S. military carbines. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.