CMP National Postal Meter M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: WY250328JS003
Make: National Postal Meter
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1969787
Year of Manufacture: Mid 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, detachable magazine fed carbine.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “NATIONAL POSTAL METER 1969787”
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked “MARLIN”, with a “P” about 4 inches back from the front sight. There is also a “J” just back from the gas block on the top of the barrel. The barrel flat is marked “O”.
The front sight is stamped with “N”-International Business Machine part
The barrel band is “MMQ”.
The slide is marked “7160091 W”.- a Winchester Slide
The rear sight is marked “H.I.” for Hemphill MFG CO.
The trigger group is marked “S’G’” for Saginaw Gear
The safety is unmarked
The magazine release button is marked “M” and “WA” for Winchester
The hammer is marked “HI” for Hillerich Machine Company.
The magazine is marked “LU” M.S. Little CO. Underwood sub-contract
The sear is marked “RI” for Reece Buttonhole Machine Company
The upper handguard marking is too faded to read.
The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver Co.
The stock is marked “IO” in the sling cut for Inland Overton. The left flank of the stock is marked “FAT 72” with a star which stands for “Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni,” an Italian armory. This marking indicates that the carbine was refurbished or inspected by the Italian military, likely during the post-war period when the United States provided surplus weapons to its NATO allies, including Italy. The FAT marking suggests that this rifle was part of a group of M1 Carbines that were loaned to Italy under the Military Assistance Program (MAP) and later repatriated by the CMP. The pommel is marked “5T1”.
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 serrated knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, high wood stock, with a two rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, rotary safety and a checkered metal buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood has been refinished. The wood shows scattered marks, lines and compressions with no visible cracks. The edges of the oval cut show some minor chips. The buttplate has been refinished and shows only minor rub wear. Overall this stock set is in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Fair-Good condition. The left side tab has been flattened.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is visible. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The bore shows some lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel shows some minor rub wear from the band, the friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show very minor rub wear, the rear bevel shows some very minor oxidation. The markings are mostly clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in 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: This rifle includes a certificate of authenticity from The Civilian Marksmanship Program, two manuals, and the magazine.
Our Assessment: This M1 Carbine is a fascinating piece of World War II and postwar military history, with layers of provenance that reflect both its original combat role and its later service life. The receiver was manufactured in 1943 by National Postal Meter (NPM), one of several wartime contractors enlisted to rapidly produce M1 Carbines for the U.S. military. NPM produced approximately 6.2% of the total M1 Carbines during WWII, making their guns less common than those of major producers like Inland or Winchester, and therefore of greater collector interest. The Marlin manufactured barrel is period correct and a known supplier of barrels to NPM.
The Inland-Overton stock marked with “FAT 72” (Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni, 1972) reveals the rifle’s post-war history. After WWII, many M1 Carbines were sent overseas to allies or used in NATO-affiliated militaries. The “FAT 72” marking indicates it was overhauled or inspected by the Italian military depot at Terni in 1972, common among carbines that were part of Italy’s military aid program. This history adds both intrigue and value, as it shows the rifle saw extended service beyond WWII. Finally, this carbine’s return to civilian hands through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) in 2008 gives it an additional layer of provenance. Altogether, this NPM M1 Carbine is a unique blend of wartime production, Cold War reissue, and collector-grade restoration, an outstanding example of a rifle that served across decades and continents. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
