Rock-Ola M1 Carbine RockOla .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2247
LSB#: 210925MZ73
Make: Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 6096840
Year of Manufacture: 1943-1944 (page 30 of Scott Duff’s book The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide; an Approximate Date) No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1” on the front and “ROCK-OLA / 6096840” on the rear. The barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA” and “P”. The gas piston housing is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right. The trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right rear which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “KR” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “cc / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 100 & 184). The rotary safety is marked “M inside a C” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (pages 95 & 184). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the left lug which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “R” which was used by Rock-Ola and Inland (page 56). The Type II rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which was used by Rock-Ola and others (page 29). The Type II barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Rock-Ola and others (pages 59). The inside of the handguard is marked “RMC” which was used by Rock-Ola and others (page 138). The Type I stock sling well is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester (page 108-109). The recoil plate is marked “ROCK-OLA” which is a Rock-Ola mark (page 135). The right side of the butt is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche as well as “2 43” next to the buttplate. The bottom of the grip has “36” scratched into it. The rear of the magazine is marked “SY-B” which is an IBM mark (page 142-143).
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 II aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type II barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scratches, thinning, and oxidation. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Most of the marks are small but many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled. 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: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are light gray. The rifling is deep. There is intermittent erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle. There is also a patch of frosting near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish as refinished. The barrel has surface erosion showing through the new finish. The receiver shows light thinning under the wood. The top front of the receiver shows an area of discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the receiver and the bolt show thinning consistent with cycling. The metal shows scuffs, light scrapes, and handling marks. Most of the markings are deep. The markings on the barrel are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle has a canvas sling attached. It shows light soiling on the canvas as well as scrapes & oxidation on the metal. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine. The magazine shows scrapes, scratches, and areas of thinning. It is in about Very Good condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
The Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation was a top maker of jukeboxes. Starting in 1935, Rock-Ola sold more than 400,000 jukeboxes under the Rock-Ola brand name. The name Rock-Ola is thought to have inspired the term “Rock & Roll”. During WWII Rock-Ola was one of the many companies who helped with the war effort. Rock-Ola only produced about 3.7% of the total number of wartime M1 Carbines. Due to both the relative rarity of Rock-Ola M1 Carbines and the distinctive name, Rock-Ola M1 Carbines prized among collectors.
This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine was built during WWII. It has been rebuilt but still retains many of its original parts. It still has “ROCK-OLA” markings on the rear of the receiver, on the barrel, and on a few other parts. This Rock-Ola has been refinished so it looks good. It will add nicely to a WWII or M1 Carbine collection.