HOWA Machinery LTD. Thai Police M1 Carbine 1 of 10000 Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,925.00
WOA#: WY240406WM029
Make: HOWA Machinery LTD.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 00813
Year of Manufacture: 1965-1966
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “00813”
The receiver ring is marked with the Thai Royal Police symbol.
The upper handguard is marked “IO” for S.E. OVERTON CO.
There are no other markings on this rifle.
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the early style flip L type aperture rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock on this rifle is an Oval cut, low wood stock with a four rivet handguard, a type two barrel band, and the later style flip type safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The stock shows some chips from the sling cut and some minor compressions and lines scattered throughout both the stock and the upper handguard. The metal buttplate has been refinished and has several gouges in the edges that have been finished over. There are no cracks in the stock. Overall the wood is in about Fine to Very Fine condition for C&R.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Re-finished
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 98% of its re-finished metal finish. The bolt and receiver show finish wear on the friction surfaces. There is very minor handling wear present with no notable damage or marrs. There appears to be some pitting on the metal surfaces that have been filled in when the re-finish was done. Overall this rifle is in about Fine condition as re-finished for C&R given its age.
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: This M1 Carbine produced by Howa Machinery Ltd. for the Thai Royal Police is a unique and historically significant variant of the iconic American rifle. Howa Machinery, a Japanese company, was one of the few foreign manufacturers licensed to produce M1 Carbines post-World War II, reflecting the broader reach and enduring appeal of this versatile firearm. Howa began producing these carbines in the 1950s and continued into the 1960s, primarily for military and police forces in Asia, including the Thai Royal Police. The Howa M1 Carbine for the Thai Royal Police was part of an effort to modernize and standardize the equipment of Thailand’s law enforcement and military forces during a period of heightened regional instability and Cold War tensions. The decision to equip the Thai Royal Police with M1 Carbines was driven by the rifle’s light weight, ease of use, and effective close-quarters capabilities, which were well-suited to the needs of police forces operating in urban and rural environments. Howa’s M1 Carbines were built to a high standard, closely adhering to the specifications of the original U.S. military carbines. They featured the same .30 Carbine chambering, an 18-inch barrel, and the familiar semi-automatic operation that made the M1 Carbine popular. While the components were manufactured in Japan, Howa ensured that the rifles maintained compatibility with U.S.-produced parts, and the carbines often included features like a flip style safety and adjustable rear sights, reflecting the later wartime production models. A distinguishing feature of Howa-produced carbines is the presence of the crest of the Thai Police, adding to their collectability and historical value. The use of Howa carbines by the Thai Royal Police is indicative of the international relationships and military assistance programs of the time, which saw the distribution of Western-designed small arms to allied nations. Today, Howa M1 Carbines are considered collectible due to their relatively limited production and unique historical context. They serve as a testament to the widespread influence of the M1 Carbine design and its adoption beyond American borders. Owning a Howa M1 Carbine offers a link to a broader narrative of post-war military cooperation and the enduring legacy of the M1 Carbine as a symbol of mid-20th-century armed forces around the world. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
