WWII Rock-Ola Music Co. CMP M1 M-1 U.S. Carbine .30 CAL Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,900.00
LSB#: LSB260630RR003
Make: Rock-Ola Music Corporation.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4625294
Year of Manufacture: November 1943-March 1944, sold by the CMP in 2008.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver: “ROCK-OLA”, and “4625294”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked with a faint “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 top of the chamber is marked “FA” and something illegible under the FA possibly “76”. This may be a Fabbrica marking indicating possible Italian Refurb at Terni or Gardone. Although this writer has never seen this stamp before on a barrel.
The front sight is marked “N”
The rear sight: “JAO 7160060” J.A. Otterbein
The bolt: “ROCK-OLA”
The slide is marked “S” on the inside and “123” on the outside Standard Products
The magazine release: “M WA”
The safety: “SS” a post war replacement part.
The hammer: “W” Winchester
The trigger group: “INLAND”
The sear: unmarked
The barrel band is marked “AMCO”
The handguard: unmarked
The Stock: “164” and “6898695”
Recoil Lug: unmarked
The magazine is marked “BW”. Bridgeport Metal Goods for Winchester.
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 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 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 butt plate. The wood has been sanded and refinished. The wood shows light compressions and surface level lines throughout. There is a notable marr in the belly of the stock on the left side. There is a crack forming from the left side of the recoil lug. The butt plate has lost its finish, developed surface rust and is slightly loose. Overall the stock set is in Good-Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and clean with well defined rifling. There is no visible pitting or erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show rub wear and the majority of the finish loss. The rest of the rifle shows minor handling. The markings are mostly clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall the rifle is in about Good+-Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: This rifle includes One 15 round magazine in Good condition showing surface rust.
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 the magazine, trigger lock with keys, yellow chamber flag, CMP safety manual, field manual, CMP COA, Collectors book by Craig Riesch, and Owner’s Guide by Larry Ruth and Scott Duff.
Our Assessment: This Rock-Ola M1 Carbine produced in November–December 1943 is a WWII-era U.S. military semi-automatic rifle chambered in .30 Carbine. This rifle also has a unique stamp on the barrel indicating possible Italian service and inspection. Rock-Ola, better known for manufacturing jukeboxes, was one of the ten prime contractors selected to produce M1 Carbines during the war, contributing just over 228,000 rifles, making them one of the rarer wartime manufacturers. The compact, lightweight design and 15-round magazine made the M1 Carbine ideal for support troops, paratroopers, and officers needing a firearm with greater range than a pistol but lighter and handier than the M1 Garand.
The M1 Carbine itself was adopted in 1941 as the U.S. military sought a versatile, easy-to-use rifle for troops not on the front lines but still requiring defensive capability. It quickly proved itself in every theater of the war and went on to see service in Korea and Vietnam. Rock-Ola’s contribution is particularly noteworthy for its precision craftsmanship despite the company’s prewar focus on jukebox manufacturing. Collectors value Rock-Ola carbines for their relative scarcity, distinctive markings, and the unique wartime history of a peacetime entertainment manufacturer pivoting to critical arms production during one of the most demanding military mobilizations in history. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.