WWII Rock-Ola M1 M-1 Carbine U.S. .30CAL 18” Semi Auto Rifle 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,525.00

LSB#: 250118KP001

Make: Rock-Ola Music Corporation.

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 6210526

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 “6210526”. 

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 unmarked   

The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.    

The magazine release button is marked “M”   

The receiver block in the stock is unmarked 

The inside of the upper handguard is marked “1507617  7617”

The hammer is marked “B/R” Jasper Blackburn Co. 

The trigger group is marked “SG” with a flaming bomb for Saginaw Gear.    

The sear is unmarked 

The barrel band is marked “KI” for Keeler Brass Co.

The safety is marked “J.A.O.” for J.A. Otterbein.   

The sling cut is marked with “RSG” for Saginaw Gear Grand Rapids

The right flank of the stock is marked with an ordnance wheel “SG EG”. Saginaw Grand Rapids.

The pommel has two “P” marks.    

The oiler is marked “II” 

The slide is marked “UN-Q” on the inside for Un-Quality

The bayonet scabbard is marked “U.S. M8A1 B.M. CO”

The Bayonet is marked “USM4 UTICA” with a flaming bomb. 

The magazines are marked “R-O” and “O SG”.     

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 oval cut, low wood stock, with a two rivet handguard, type three 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 buttplate. The handguard shows minor compressions, lines and marks with some small chips missing from the edges. There are no visible cracks in the handguard. The stock shows scattered lines, compressions, and small chips. There is a notable chip at top of the inside of the grip, to the left of the front of the receiver the stock is missing a section of wood and next to that the stock has been roughly sanded, the inside of the nose of the stock has been filled with resin. The wood does not match up to the metal butt plate. The metal buttplate has lost its finish, turned brown and  developed surface rust yet it has retained fairly sharp checkering. There are no visible cracks in the stock. Overall the stock is in Fair+ condition.      

Type of Finish: Parkerized. 

Finish Originality: Lightly Arsenal Refurbished 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with defined rifling. There is minor visible pitting in the bore towards the last third of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rate 8/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The bolt shows almost no finish loss on the friction surfaces. The metal finish shows some scattered small marks and handling wear. The trigger guard has turned brown with age and has begun to develop surface rust. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.    

Magazine Quantity and Condition: This rifle includes two 15 round magazines both in 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 includes a green canvas Sling, the above mentioned magazines, a magazine pouch, an M4 bayonet with scabbard and a US marked M1 rifle case.   

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.

This 1944 carbine comes with two 15-round magazines, a dual mag pouch designed to fit on the stock, and an M4 bayonet with an M8A1 scabbard, all of which add to its period authenticity and completeness. The M4 bayonet was issued late in the war for use with M1 Carbines equipped with a bayonet lug, something seen more frequently in late 1944 or as a post-war retrofit. 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!!!-R.L.