National Postal Meter M1 Carbine NPM .30 Cal Semi Automatic Rifle 1943 C&R
Sold for: $1,350
LSB#: 200708DW05
Make: National Postal Meter (NPM)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4082117
Year of Manufacture: October to December, 1943 (page 29 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide). No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” on the front and “NATIONAL / POSTAL METER / 4082117” on the rear. The barrel is marked “MARLIN” as well as “P” under the barrel band. Marlin supplied undated barrels to Inland (page 51 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The right side of the barrel is marked with a “flaming bomb” above the gas piston. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “H I” which is an Inland mark (page 89). The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” on the face and “EI” on the interior which is an Inland mark (page 100). The rotating safety is marked “N.” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 97 & 184). The inside of the operating slide is marked “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65); the bottom is marked with a part number that is overstamped by a “B”. The bolt is marked “W” on the right lug which is a Winchester mark (page 36). The Type III barrel band is marked “SI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The front sight is unmarked which is consistent with NPM and others (pages 56-57). The Type II rear sight is marked “PI” which was used by Inland and Saginaw Gear (page 29). The inside of the handguard is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 138). The sling well is marked with a “flaming bomb” and “IR” which is not listed in our reference material (page 108-110). This is a late war replacement stock made by Robert Irwin “IR”. The Robert Irwin mark listed in the book is “IR-IP” and was used early on when Robert Irwin made stocks as part of Irwin-Pedersen. The rear of the magazine is marked “R-C” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 142-143).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable Type II aperture assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The oil finished hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows a few scrapes and some light surface erosion. The handguard is lighter in color than the body of the stock. The wood shows several scrapes and scratches. Many have damaged portions of the surface wood. The most prominent marks are on the right side of the grip. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is erosion at the muzzle. There is fouling in the grooves near the muzzle that should clean up a bit. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has areas of surface erosion showing through the new finish. The metal shows a small scrapes as well as light handling marks. The scrapes on the trigger guard are more prominent. The barrel shows a few spots of discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the receiver and the bolt show light thinning consistent with cycling. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine 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: The rifle comes with one 15 round magazine that shows scrapes & a few small scratches. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any jurisdiction with magazine capacity restrictions.
Our Assessment: This National Postal Meter (NPM) M1 Carbine was built back in 1943. At some point it was rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts but the Marlin barrel appears to be original. NPM did not make barrels. Marlin was one of the 3 companies that supplied NPM with M1 Carbine barrels. The metal was refinished nicely during the rebuild keeping most of the markings intact. This is a nice looking M1 carbine that will add to your collection.
Here is some interesting information on NPM from uscarbinecal30.com/manufacturers.html: “A week after America’s entry into WWII, National Postal Meter and the Todd Corporation partnered to start the Rochester Defense Corporation. It was this company that negotiated for the contract to produce M1 Carbines. Shortly after the approval of their 2nd contract, but before production started, Rochester Defense Corporation was dissolved and its assets merged into National Postal Meter. At the time of their first contract, the company had no tools, no employees, and no location for building carbines. National Postal Meter’s test fire range was built by raising the floor of the carbine manufacturing plant three feet above the buildings concrete floor and literally shooting under the feet of the production line…Performance testing gave them the highest rating in adverse conditions. (NPM) made no barrels…National Postal Meter Company changed the name of their company to Commercial Controls Corporation on April 26, 1944. The same month they ceased carbine production. The 239 Commercial Controls M1 Carbines were assembled from leftover parts and provided to U.S. Army Ordnance in August 1945.”
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable? (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R rifle can be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any jurisdiction with magazine capacity restrictions.
