WWII Rock-Ola M1 M-1 Carbine U.S. .30 CAL 18” Semi Auto Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,625.99
LSB#: LSB250917RG002
Make: Rock-Ola Music Corporation.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 6203037
Year of Manufacture: April-May 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “ROCK-OLA”, and “6203037”.
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 front sight is marked “R”.
The rear sight is marked “I.R. CO. / 160060
The magazine release button is unmarked.
The recoil plate is marked “ROCK-OLA”.
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “RMC”.
The hammer is marked “LTR”.
The trigger housing is marked “ROCK-OLA”.
The sear is unmarked
The barrel band is unmarked
The safety is marked unmarked
The front of the grip is marked “P”
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 two rivet handguard, type II barrel band, a crossbolt safety and a checkered metal butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The handguard shows minor compressions, lines and marks. There are no visible cracks in the stock. Overall the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows general operational and handling wear. There is intermittent oxidation and thinning. The markings are clear and the screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: This rifle comes with two 30rd and two 15rd magazines in Fair – Very Good condition.
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 comes with its attached sling and total of 4 magazines.
Our Assessment: This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine, made in 1944, is a fascinating piece of World War II history from one of the rarest and most unique manufacturers of the U.S. M1 Carbine. Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation, best known before the war for producing jukeboxes, was one of the ten original contractors selected by the U.S. government to produce M1 Carbines during the war. Despite having no prior firearms manufacturing experience, Rock-Ola contributed significantly by utilizing its advanced machining capabilities and adapting quickly to wartime production needs. Of the approximately 6 million M1 Carbines made during WWII, Rock-Ola produced only about 3.7%, or roughly 228,500 units, making its examples especially sought-after by collectors today.
The M1 Carbine itself was created as a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle for support troops needing more range and firepower than a pistol but without the weight of the M1 Garand. Chambered in .30 Carbine, the M1 offered reliability, fast handling, and ease of use in a compact package. A Rock-Ola carbine from 1944 not only represents the industrial ingenuity of wartime America but also highlights the surprising and widespread mobilization of civilian manufacturers to meet the demands of global conflict. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding! – L.S.
