WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,345.00
WOA#: WY240408WM013
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1616913
Year of Manufacture: Receiver date June 1943, Barrel Date 4-1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “QUALITY H.M.C.”, and “1616913”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” about mid length, toward the muzzle is marked “ROCK-OLA / 4-43”. Correct for QHMC
The front sight is marked “JQ” for OD Jennings CO, correct for QHMC
The rear sight is marked with “S”
The magazine release button is unmarked
The receiver block in the stock is unmarked.
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “RMC” for Rock Ola Music Company, correct for QHMC.
The hammer is marked “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph made for QHMC.
The trigger group is marked “QN-L” for National Lock Co, made for QHMC.
The sear is marked “GE-Q” for Gerrard CO, correct for QHMC
The Barrel Band is marked: “UI” for Union Hardware made for Inland
The band swivel is marked: “QU” for Union Hardware made for QHMC
The right side of the stock is marked with two ordinance wheels.
The stock is marked with a very faint “Q-RMC” for Rock-Ola music Co. made for QHMC.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is an early style L type aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver. The spring steel underneath the sight that holds it in place has worn out so the slight is no longer two position.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Oval cut, High-wood, with a 2-rivet upper handguard, Type 1 barrel band, and a checkered metal butt plate. This rifle also has the early style crossbolt safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. This refinished stock shows minimal signs of wear. However the stock at one point split down the middle, was repaired and secured with brass pins. The handguard shows some minor lines on the top, there are a few small chips with no cracks. The metal buttplate has lost its finish, turned brown with patina and has begun to rust. Overall the stock is in Very Fair condition. The repair, while extensive, was done very well and if viewed from the right side only is not visible.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized and Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is almost invisible erosion in the bore. There are some lines in the grooves from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the metal surfaces have begun to turn or have turned brown / Green with patina. The majority of the finish loss is on the friction surfaces of the receiver, the bolt, the trigger guard, changing handle and the front sight. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Fine Condition for C&R.
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: None.
Our Assessment: During the early stages of World War II, the U.S. military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy and cumbersome M1 Garand rifle and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact and easy-to-handle firearm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size rifle.
In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester, IBM, and General Motors’ Inland Division, and Quality Hardware and Machine to develop and produce the M1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful M1 Garand and the short-recoil action of the M1 Thompson submachine gun. The M1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 ammunition used in the M1 Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements.
The M1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II, becoming a staple firearm for American troops. It was praised for its reliability, ease of use, and versatility. The rifle was not only issued to U.S. forces but also provided to allied nations through various lend-lease programs.
This example of a Quality Hardware & Machine Co. 1943 M1 carbine has almost all the correct parts for the serial range including many unique parts from companies including the Inland division of General Motors and Rock-Ola Music Co. mostly known for making Juke boxes. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
