National Postal Meter M1 Carbine Matching NPM .30 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1700
LSB#: 210917MW35
Make: National Postal Meter (NPM)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1957967
Year of Manufacture: July to September, 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 import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” on the front and “NATIONAL / POSTAL METER / 1957967” on the rear. The bottom of the receiver is stamped “17”. The barrel is marked “MARLIN” and “P”. Marlin supplied barrels for NPM (page 50-51 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). The right rear of the trigger group is marked “N” which is an NPM mark (page 48); the left rear is marked “5”. The hammer is marked “HI” which was used by NPM and Inland (page 89-90). The magazine release is marked “MN” which is an NPM mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with NPM and others (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “N” which is an NPM mark and “9” which is a production code (page 65 & 66). The left lug of the bolt is marked “N” which is a NPM mark and “11” a production code (page 36). The Type IA barrel band is marked “U” which was used by NPM and Inland (page 59 & 60). The front sight is marked “NN” which is an NPM mark (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left which is consistent with NPM and others (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is marked “U” which was used by NPM and Inland (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “TN” which is an NPM mark (page 138). The sling well is marked “TRIMBLE / TN” which was used by NPM on a Type III stock (page 108 – 109). The face of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The right side of the butt is marked with a “boxed” National Postal Meter acceptance stamp containing “NPM / FJA”. It is next to an Ordnance Department “crossed cannons” cartouche (page 121 & 125). The left side of the butt is marked with a “boxed” Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Rock Island Arsenal which contains “RIA / EB” (page 181).
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I dual flip up aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes. There is a hairline surface crack to the rear of the trigger guard. It does not flex when pressure is applied. The wood shows scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. These marks have been oiled over. 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 Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The rear of the bore is bright and the front is semi bright. The grooves in the front third of the bore are light grey. The rifling is deep. The front third of the bore has fouling and intermediate erosion in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.2.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The top of the barrel shows surface erosion. Most is under the handguard. The left side of the receiver shows light surface erosion under the wood. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very 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: The rifle comes with a green canvas sling. It shows light discoloration on the canvas as well as scrapes & light oxidation on the metal. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This National Postal Meter M1 Carbine was built back in 1943. After WWII the rifle was Arsenal Rebuilt at the Rock Island Arsenal. This M1 Carbine uses all NPM parts and has deep markings metal & wood. This is a desirable M1 Carbine that will add nicely to your collection.
Here is some interesting information on NPM from www.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 building’s 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.”