National Postal Meter M1 Carbine NPM US&S .30 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1450

LSB#: 210223SH03

Make: National Postal Meter. Union Switch & Signal produced the receiver under contract for National Postal Meter (NPM).

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 4366901

Year of Manufacture: 1943 to 1944. No specific date is possible due to the reasons given on 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. There is No 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 / 4366901 / U” on the rear. The “U” is for the NPM subcontractor Union Switch and Signal (page 21 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production). The barrel is marked “W” and with a “PW” proof under the barrel band. These are Winchester marks (page 50-51). The right side of the gas tube is marked with a “flaming bomb”. The right rear of the trigger group is marked “INLAND” which is an Inland mark (page 48). The hammer is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 89-90). The magazine release is marked “M” and “E.I.” which is an Inland mark (page 98). The rotary safety is marked with a “circled S” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 63 & 184). The inside of the operating slide is marked “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65 & 66). The left lug of the bolt is marked “2” and “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 36). The Type III barrel band is marked “CM” on the lug as well as “JM” on the band which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 59, 60 & 184). The front sight is marked “N” which is consistent with NPM and others (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “J.A.O. / 7160060” on the right which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 30 & 184). The sling well is marked “HI” which was used by National Postal Meter and Inland. The underside of the handguard is marked “OI” which is an Inland mark (page 138).

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable Type III aperture.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop and bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes, oxidation and pin prick surface erosion. The stock shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged small portions of surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is some fouling near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.8.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The metal shows small scrapes & light handling marks. The right side of the receiver shows thinning consistent with cycling. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork& Accessories: There is No magazine. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling. It shows light creasing on the canvas and light scrapes on the metal. It is in about Fine condition.