WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,460.00
LSB#: WY250328JS002
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1639702
Year of Manufacture: The block for the serial number puts the receiver somewhere around August or September 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 “1639702”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a “P” about mid length, toward the muzzle is marked “ROCK-OLA / 3-43”. The gas block is marked “ROCK-OLA”. The barrel flat has a small flaming bomb and a “2”.
The front sight is unmarked
The rear sight is marked “I.R.CO.”-for International Register CO.
The magazine release button is marked “M” and “WA” for Winchester
The receiver block in the stock is marked “SG” for Saginaw Gear.
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “IO” for Inland Overton
The hammer is marked “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph
The trigger group is marked “NL-Q” for National Lock Co, made for QHMC
The barrel band is Marked “JI”
The slide is marked “PI” on the inside. For Packard Inland and “A” on the flat.
The stock is marked in the sling cut with “TRIMBLE TN” for Trimble Nursery, the front of the grip is marked with a “P” acceptance stamp, the pommel is marked “A”, and there is a small “P” on the left flank. The right flank has what is left of the “NPM FJA” stock stamp. FJA Stands for Frank J. Atwood 1942-1943.
The magazine is marked “IA” 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 with a 4-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. There are no visible chips or cracks. Someone has scratched HK into the side of the wood. 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 shows only some minor rub wear. Overall the stock is in about Good+ to Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine showing some surface rust that has gone through the finish. The magazine is in Fair-Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Some of the parts are Original and some of the parts like the barrel have been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion in the bore. The bore shows lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrel has lines in the finish from the barrel band. The friction surfaces of the bolt show minimal rub wear. The exterior of the rifles shows some scattered caked old oil that should be removable with a proper cleaning. The action is very smooth. The markings range from faint to clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Very Good+ condition.
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 magazine mentioned above.
Our Assessment: This M1 Carbine manufactured by Quality Hardware & Machine Corp. in 1943 is a relatively scarce and collectible example from WWII. Quality Hardware produced only about 4.2% of total M1 Carbines, making its rifles less common than those from major contractors. Notably, Quality was unique in that it subcontracted nearly all its parts, focusing solely on final assembly. The Rock-Ola barrel on this example is historically appropriate and desirable, as Rock-Ola, best known as a jukebox manufacturer, produced barrels and other components for various contractors while also manufacturing complete carbines themselves.
The stock on this carbine, marked “Tremble TN” and stamped “NPM FJA,” reveals a fascinating cross-section of wartime logistics. Tremble Manufacturing, based in Tennessee, was a known subcontractor for carbine stocks. The “NPM” refers to National Postal Meter, another prime contractor, indicating the stock may have been reused during arsenal refurbishment. The “FJA” cartouche stands for Colonel Frank J. Atwood, the U.S. Army ordnance officer who inspected and accepted firearms from several facilities. Altogether, this carbine is a well-documented mix of wartime collaboration, an authentic representation of how multiple American industries came together to meet the demands of a global war. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
