WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,048.00
LSB#: WY241122AS066
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1881312
Year of Manufacture: The block for the serial number puts the receiver somewhere around September-October of 1943 with a barrel date of 3-44.
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 “1881312”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” about 2.25” back from the front sight, toward the muzzle is marked “UNDERWOOD / 3-44”.
The front sight is marked “EU”-for Prestole Div. Detroit Harvester.
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O. 7160060”-for International Register CO.
The magazine release button is marked “M”
The receiver block in the stock is unmarked.
The inside of the upper handguard is unmarked
The hammer is marked “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph
The Trigger group is marked “W” for Winchester
The sear “SW” for Detroit Plastic CO.
The barrel band is marked “AMCO” a post war rebuild part.
The rotary safety is marked “SS” This is a rebuild marked rotary safety.
The slide is marked with an “X”
The stock is marked with a “P” acceptance stamp and “AAQ” meaning the stock has been to the Augusta Arsenal. There were no other legible markings on the stock.
The oiler is marked “II” for International Silver CO.
The magazine is marked “AI” for Autoyre Inland
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is a later style sliding aperture sight with a knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Oval cut, Low-wood, potbelly style with a 2-rivet upper handguard, Type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, and a checkered metal butt plate. This rifle also has the later style rotary safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock shows some minor compressions and lines. The stock has been lightly sanded and refinished and has some sort of green paint on it. The left flank has some rub wear from the sling. There are no visible chips or cracks. The upper handguard has also been sanded and refinished. There was a chip in the top that was sanded down. There were no visible cracks. The metal buttplate has lost its finish and has turned brown with patina and surface rust. Overall the stock is in about Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 30 round magazine listed above. The magazine has lost basically all of its bluing, turned brown with patina and developed some surface rust. The magazine is in about Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized and Blued
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has turned brown / green with age and patina. There is some surface rust that has developed scattered throughout the rifle. Looking at the trigger guard is a good example of the level of surface rust. The bolt and friction surfaces of the action show finish loss and rub wear. The edges of the front sight and muzzle have lost finish as well. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in Fair to Good condition with an Excellent barrel.
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 the attached canvas sling and the magazine mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Quality Hardware M1 Carbine is a highly sought-after example of the iconic semi-automatic rifle developed during World War II. This particular carbine, manufactured in 1943-44, reflects the high standards of wartime production. Quality Hardware was one of the smaller contractors tasked with producing the M1 Carbine, making its examples particularly collectible. This rifle features an Underwood barrel, which remains in excellent condition a testament to the durability and precision of wartime manufacturing. The combination of a Quality Hardware receiver and an Underwood barrel showcases the interoperability of parts that defined the production of M1 Carbines.
One notable feature of this carbine is its Augusta Arsenal (AAQ) rebuild marking, stamped on the stock. The AAQ designation signifies that the rifle underwent an arsenal refurbishment process, ensuring its readiness for continued military service. The stock itself is a “potbelly” style, a later, reinforced design providing greater durability and strength compared to earlier stocks. The rifle also includes a Winchester-made trigger group, which is both functional and collectible, highlighting the collaborative production efforts among wartime manufacturers.
This Quality Hardware M1 Carbine represents a unique blend of wartime production and postwar military maintenance. The combination of its original manufacture date, excellent condition barrel, and arsenal marked stock tells a story of adaptability and continued use throughout its service life. The AAQ rebuild marking connects it to Augusta Arsenal’s critical role in extending the lifespan of these iconic firearms. Paired with the 30-round magazine, this carbine is both a historical artifact and a testament to the ingenuity and collaboration of America’s wartime manufacturing efforts. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
