WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,780.00
LSB#: WY240723KM011
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1922152
Year of Manufacture: June to October of 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “QUALITY H.M.C.”, and “1922152”. Second block of four.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. Carbine”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA” with a “P” proof about 5.5 inches back from the front sight. The gas block is marked “ROCK-OLA. The barrel flat has an illegible mark and a “2”.
The barrel band is marked “UI” for Union Hardware.
The front sight has an illegible mark.
The rear sight is marked “PI” for Packard Inland. These “PI” marked adjustable sights were the first adjustable sights produced by Inland. Used starting in May of 1944.
The slide is marked “DA-Q” for Dalkin Co. made for QHMC
The trigger group is marked “NL-Q” for National Lock Co, made for QHMC
The magazine release button is marked “MWA”
The receiver block in the stock is unmarked.
The inside of the upper handguard is unmarked
The hammer is marked “WM” for White Sewing Machine CO.
The Safety is marked “EW” for Sargent & CO.
The sear is marked “RI”- Inland Division.
The stock is marked “RMC” for Rock-Ola music Co.. The left side just behind the wrist has a “-U-” stamp which may denote this rifle was refurbished at Underwood post war. The right flank has an ordnance wheel and a “RMC” stamp for ROCK-Ola Music Co.
The oiler is marked “IS” International Silver Co.
The magazine is marked “IW” for International Silver CO. made for Winchester
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a low-wood, oval cut stock with a 2-rivet upper handguard, Type I barrel band, and a checkered metal butt plate. This rifle has a cross bolt safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The metal buttplate has retained most of its finish, has semi-sharp checkering, and has begun to turn brown with patina around the edges. This buttplate shows very little wear. The upper handguard has moderate scratches, compressions, and lines with some chips on the leading edges of the sighting groove, and a small punch mark in the left side groove edge. There are no cracks in the handguard. The stock itself shows minimal scratches, lines, and compressions. The nose has only minor wear. The sling cut and oval cut likewise have only minimal wear. There are no visible cracks. Overall the wood on this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine. The magazine is in Good condition with minor rust freckling and rub wear from use.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well 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 95% of its metal finish.The majority of the finish loss is on the friction surfaces of the receiver and bolt. The surfaces have turned Green and Brown with age and patina especially the trigger guard. The top of the barrel has a series of little nicks going from the barrel band to the proof mark. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Very Good + 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: This rifle includes a canvas sling, and the above mentioned magazine.
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 Winchester, IBM, and 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 of a Quality Hardware rifle includes parts from several interesting companies. The Rock-Ola barrel and early production stock, Rock-Ola famous for making Jukeboxes, the White Sewing Machine hammer, the Union Hardware band, and the National Lock Co. trigger group are quintessential to the story of the M1 carbine. All of these manufactures putting their regular jobs on hold to produce these parts for the war effort shows the best of the American spirit showcased in one type of rifle to be appreciated for generations to come. To get a better understanding of this M1 please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
