National Postal Meter M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle Marlin Barrel C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,874.00
LSB#: LSB260704BV008
Make: National Postal Meter
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4179078
Year of Manufacture: Late 1943 – Early 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, detachable magazine fed carbine.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “NATIONAL POSTAL METER 4179078”
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked “MARLIN” and “P on top and a flaming ordnance bomb on the right flat above the gas block.
The front sight is stamped with “N”
The barrel band is marked “MMQ”
The slide is marked “W” Winchester
The rear sight is marked “J.A.O. 7160060” J.A. Otterbein
The bolt is marked: “A.I.” Autoyre Inland
The trigger group is marked with a faint “Inland”
The safety is marked with an “CM” – Post War rebuild part
The magazine release button is marked “M”
The hammer is marked “UC”
The sear is unmarked
The upper handguard is marked “IO” for Inland Overton.
The stock is marked with an “K” in a circle and “A1”, post war replacement stock.
The recoil lug is unmarked.
The magazines are marked “K.I.” for Keeler Brass, and “UN” for National Postal Meter.
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 knurled knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, rotary safety and a checkered metal butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The wood has been lightly sanded and refinished. The wood shows minor compressions and some surface level lines. There are some very small chips from the wood right behind the trigger guard. There are no cracks. The butt plate has lost most of its finish, turned brown with age, and shows rub wear around the edges. Overall this stock set is in Very Good-Very Good+ condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes two x 15 round magazines. Both magazines show some surface rust in the bluing. The “KI” marked magazine is in Good+ condition. The “UN” marked one shows significantly more surface rust and is in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized/Blued
Finish Originality: The trigger group is refinished. The rest is original to the parts.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion or pitting visible in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show the majority of the finish loss. There is scattered finish thinning. The finish has turned brown in spots from age. The action is smooth, the markings are mostly clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good-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: Includes the two magazines, belt mount dual magazine pouch, M1 carbine book, manual, sling and zippered case.
Our Assessment: This National Postal Meter M1 Carbine was manufactured between late 1943 and early 1944 representing one of the many fascinating examples of wartime industrial cooperation during World War II. National Postal Meter, originally a maker of postage meters and office equipment, was one of several civilian companies contracted to produce M1 Carbines for the U.S. military. Like many carbines that saw arsenal service and rebuilding during and after the war, this example is fitted with a mix of components from different wartime manufacturers, including a Marlin barrel, Inland trigger group, and Winchester slide, all common signs of military refurbishment and parts standardization.
The M1 Carbine became one of the most widely issued American small arms of World War II due to its lightweight handling, compact dimensions, and ease of use, serving officers, support troops, paratroopers, and countless other personnel throughout the conflict. This example’s mix of wartime contractor parts and excellent barrel make it a particularly interesting representation of the long service life and rebuild history common to U.S. military carbines. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.