WWII Rock-Ola M1 M-1 Carbine U.S. .30CAL 18” Semi Auto Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
WWII Rock-Ola M1 M-1 Carbine U.S. .30CAL 18” Semi Auto Rifle 1943 C&R
LSB#: WY250119JS001
Make: Rock-Ola Music Corporation.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4547713
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “ROCK-OLA”, and “4547713”.
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 4-43”. The gas block is marked “ROCK-OLA”. The left side of the chamber has a small flaming bomb test mark. The barrel flat also has a flaming bomb and an “R”
The front sight is marked with “RP” Planert Skate company for Rock-Ola Music Co.
The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.
The magazine release button is marked “MWA”
The receiver block in the stock is marked “ROCK-OLA”
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “Q-RMC” Rock-ola music Co.
The hammer is marked “KR2” for “KAL Machine Co made for Rock-Ola
The trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA”
The sear is unmarked
The barrel band is marked “IS” for Inland Division.
The cross bolt safety unmarked
The stock is marked with “RMC” Rock Ola Music Co in the sling well. The right flank has an illegible stamp.
The oiler is unmarked
The slide is marked “ROCK-OLA”
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 serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an “I” cut, high wood stock, with a two rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, a crossbolt 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 has been sanded and refinished. The wood shows scattered light compressions and lines with two notable scratches on the left flank near the sling cut. There are no visible chips or cracks. The handguard shows only light handling wear. The buttplate shows moderate surface rust and pitting with finish loss. Overall the wood is in Very Good to Very good + condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized and Blued.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with defined rifling and no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rate 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The bolt shows the majority of finish loss on the friction surfaces. The metal finish shows some scattered small marks and handling wear. The trigger guard appears to have been painted at one point and now the paint is wearing off. The markings are mostly clear with the exception of the stamp on the side of the stock. The screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine marked “IA”. The magazine shows finish loss and scattered surface rust. The magazine is in about Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions however the bolt hangs up a bit at the end of travel. I believe this can be remedied with a proper cleaning. 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 and the above mentioned magazine.
Our Assessment: This Rock-Ola Music Company M1 Carbine, produced in 1943, is a rare and highly collectible example of this iconic World War II firearm. Rock-Ola was one of ten companies contracted to manufacture the M1 Carbine, a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle designed by Winchester as a more maneuverable alternative to the heavier M1 Garand. The M1 Carbine was widely used by U.S. forces, including paratroopers, officers, and support troops, offering more firepower than a standard-issue pistol while remaining compact and easy to handle. Rock-Ola produced approximately 228,500 carbines, making it one of the rarer manufacturers, compared to companies like Inland and Winchester, which made millions.
This particular example retains mostly matching Rock-Ola parts, but with a Planert Skate Company front sight and a Kal Machine Company hammer. During wartime, small subcontractors like these played a crucial role in producing firearm components. Planert Skate Company, a manufacturer of ice and roller skates, repurposed its machining expertise to produce precision parts like sights for military contracts. Kal Machine Company, a lesser-known subcontractor, also contributed to small parts for various M1 Carbine manufacturers. The rest of the carbine being Rock-Ola manufactured adds significant historical value, as Rock-Ola was known for its strict quality control and excellent craftsmanship, despite being a jukebox company before the war.
Rock-Ola’s involvement in firearm production is a fascinating piece of industrial history. Originally a manufacturer of jukeboxes, coin-operated machines, and phonographs, the company shifted to wartime production as part of the U.S. military’s massive mobilization effort. The M1 Carbine was essential to the war effort, seeing action in both the European and Pacific theaters, and it remained in use through the Korean War and even Vietnam. The combination of Rock-Ola manufacturing with subcontracted parts reflects the broader war production effort, where civilian companies rapidly adapted to meet military needs. Today, a mostly matching Rock-Ola M1 Carbine is a prized collector’s item, especially when it retains unique wartime subcontractor parts that tell the story of the U.S. wartime industrial machine. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
