WWII Rock-Ola M1 Carbine US .30CAL 18” Semi Auto Rifle March-April 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,076.00
WOA#: WY240714LP146
Make: Rock-Ola Music Corporation.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 6093853
Year of Manufacture: March-April 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “ROCK-OLA”, and “6093853”.
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”. The gas block is marked “ROCK-OLA”. The left side of the chamber has a small flaming bomb test mark. The bottom front of the barrel is an Arlington Arms import mark.
The front sight is marked with a “R” for Rock-Ola Music Co.
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O. 7160060”-for International Register CO.
The magazine release button is marked “M” and “HI” For H&R Machine Co. made for the Inland Division.
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 “INLAND” for Inland Division.
The sear is marked “-U-” for Underwood Elliot Fisher.
The barrel band is marked “IS” for Inland Division.
The rotary safety is marked “H.T.”
The stock is marked “28” on the pommel and “28” plus some illegible markings in Yellow paint on the right side flank of the stock.
The oiler is marked “IS” for International Silver Co.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
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 an Oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, a later style rotary safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout the surface of the wood. There are a few chips in the edges of the sling cut, chips from the right side of the comb, several chips from the nose, the cut for the lug was done improperly so there are gaps as well as a chip from the right side. The metal butt plate has semi-dulled checkering, dents, and has lost its finish. The handguard has scrapes, compressions, and nicks in the wood with a chip missing from one of the rivet holes. Overall the wood is in about Fair + condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized and Blued.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi dulled with visible rifling. There is mild visible erosion scattered throughout the length of the bore with the majority being in the last third. There are marks and lines in the bore from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 90% of its original metal finish. The bolt, slide and receiver show the majority of finish wear on the friction surfaces. There is handling wear present with no notable damage or marrs. The finish has turned brown and green with age and patina, very common for a rifle of this age. The front sight has rust in the edges, The markings range from faint to clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Good condition for C&R.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: None.
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: This rifle includes a green Nylon Sling.
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 Music Corporation was a top maker of jukeboxes. Starting in 1935, Rock-Ola sold more than 400,000 jukeboxes under the Rock-Ola brand name. It 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 are prized among collectors. This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine was made in early 1944 at the height of the War. This example has a lot of barrel markings including the test mark, Rock-Ola Gas block mark and the Arlington Arms import mark. This rifle also has a fairly rare rotary safety marked “HT”. There is some debate as to who manufactured these safeties. This rifle also features a magazine catch that was mostly used on M2s. If you are a music fan and a gun lover this rifle will make a great addition to your collection. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.