WWII Quality Hardware & Machine M1 Carbine .30 Cal Semi-auto Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: WY250822BL020
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4796258
Year of Manufacture: Receiver date March-May 1944, Barrel Date January-1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazines. This rifle has the detachable spring tube.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “QUALITY H.M.C.”, and “4796258”.
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 “INLAND MFG. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS / 1-44”. The bottom of the barrel flat has all the usual Inland “hieroglyphics”. There is a “P” about an inch in front of the gas block. There is also a “P” on top of the chamber. The Gas block is marked “BI”: This barrel is produced by BROWN-LIPE-CHAPLIN division of G.M.C.. During 1943 B.I. produced 90,000 extra barrels for use on carbines. These barrels are considered to be the finest of the “FREE ISSUE” barrels sent out to prime contractors that did not produce their own barrels.
The recoil lug is unmarked.
The front sight is marked with an “R” for Rock-Ola Music Co.
The rear sight is marked with “I.R.C.O.” for International Register CO.
The barrel band is marked “SI” Unknown made for Inland.
The slide is marked “DA-Q” for Dalkin Co. made for QHMC
The slide is marked “DA-Q” for Dalkin Co. made for QHMC
The magazine release button is marked “M” and “W” a Winchester part
The rotary safety is marked “SS” a post war rebuild part.
The sear is unmarked
The Hammer is unmarked
The magazine is marked “KI”
The upper handguard is marked “Q-RMC” Rock-Ola Music CO. for Quality Hardware.
The Stock is marked in the sling cut with “Q-RMC” Rock-Ola Music CO. for Quality Hardware. The right flank has a faint ordnance wheel.
The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver Co.
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 knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Oval cut, low-wood, with a 2-rivet upper handguard, Type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, a rotary safety and a checkered metal butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. This stock has been sanded and refinished. As a result the handguard shows almost no signs of handling or wear. The stock shows minor scattered lines and compressions. The belly of the forend has a notable chip that has been partially sanded down. The metal butt plate has semi-sharp checkering, has been refinished, and now shows only minor wear around the edges. There are no visible cracks. Overall the stock is in Very Good+ condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is visible. There is some barely visible pitting in the grooves of the bore. The feed ramp is smooth. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on the trigger group with finish thinning on the barrel and receiver. Where the finish has thinned it has discolored and turned brown with oxidation. The barrel band shows surface rust everywhere the finish has thinned. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show minor rub wear. Behind the magazine catch has some surface rust. The bottom of the front sight and barrel towards the muzzle show some surface rust as well. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall the rifle is in Good+-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt catch plunger gets stuck in the down position making it hard to release the slide. This issue will need to be repaired to restore the rifle to full functionality. 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, yellow chamber flag and a green canvas sling.
Our Assessment: This Quality Hardware & Machine Co. M1 Carbine from 1944 offers an appealing mix of originality, desirable contract parts, and strong historical interest. It features an Inland Division barrel dated 1-44 and produced by the Brown-Lipe-Chaplin division of GMC, one of roughly 90,000 “free issue” barrels supplied to contractors that did not manufacture their own. These BI-marked barrels are widely regarded as the highest-quality of the free-issue group, making this a standout component for collectors. The rifle is paired with a Rock-Ola Music Co. produced stock made specifically for Quality Hardware, adding another correct and desirable element from one of the most iconic and sought-after wartime manufacturers.
Quality Hardware produced only complete carbines, never barrels, making each example a product of careful wartime assembly from contracted suppliers. Combined with a Rock-Ola stock, itself tied to one of the most collectible prime contractors, this carbine represents the fascinating logistical effort behind WWII production: small manufacturers, Juke-box companies, and automotive giants all contributing to the same streamlined fighting rifle. Together, these components create a historically rich and well-configured M1 Carbine that reflects the best of mid-war production and would make a strong addition to any U.S. military collection. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
