Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,500.00
WOA#: WY240406WM016
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1915888
Year of Manufacture: July-August 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “QUALITY H.M.C.”, and “1915888”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. Carbine”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” proof and “ROCK-OLA” .
The front barrel band is marked “QU” and “U”.
The front sight is unmarked
The rear sight is marked with an “S”.
The magazine release button is marked “LTO”.
The receiver block in the stock is stamped “ROCK-OLA”.
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “RS6”.
The hammer is marked “LTQ”
The trigger groups is marked “QN-L”
The right side of the stock is marked with an ordinance wheel and inside the sling cut is marked “Q-RMC”. Which signifies a Rock-ola Music Company stock made for Quality HMC.
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.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Type II high-wood with an early 2-rivet deep groove upper handguard, Type I barrel band, and a checkered metal butt plate. This rifle also has the early cross bolt safety. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock has very minor compressions and scratches throughout with a scratch on the left hand side. The metal buttplate has lost its finish and has turned to a brown patina. The upper handguard has almost no marks and no chips. Overall the stock and handguard are in Very Good to Excellent condition for C&R.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The muzzle has lost its finish, there is some metal discoloration on the barrel, the slide handle has lost finish on the side and top and the friction surfaces have also lost finish. However, the screw heads are sharp and the markings are very clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Excellent 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 Rock-OLA, IBM, 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 is unique in that most of the parts are from Quality hardware but it also contains a barrel, stock and lug made by Rock-Ola the famous Jukebox manufacturer. In summary, the M1 Carbine played a significant role in U.S. military history, offering a lightweight and reliable firearm that filled a niche between pistols and full-size rifles. Its compact design, firepower, and ease of use made it a favored weapon among soldiers in various roles and contributed to its enduring legacy. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
