WWII Rock-Ola Music Co. M1 M-1 U.S. Carbine .30 CAL 18” Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,814.00
LSB#: LSB260416DS008
Make: Rock-Ola Music Corporation.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4594597
Year of Manufacture: November 1943-March 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver: “ROCK-OLA”, and “4594597”.
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 front sight is unmarked
The rear sight: “RR” Redfield sight Co. for Rock-Ola
The bolt: “ROCK-OLA”
The slide is marked “DA-Q” on the inside. A. Dalkin & Co.
The magazine release: “EP-Q” Eaton Pond Co. for QHMC
The safety: Unmarked
The hammer: “LT-Q” Ludlow Typograph for Rock-OLA.
The trigger group: “QT-X” Triplex Corp
The sear: “GE-Q” Gerrard Co.
The barrel band is unmarked
The handguard: “RMC” Rock-OLA Music Co.
The Sling Cut: “RMC” Rock-OLA Music Co.
Recoil Lug: “ROCK-OLA”
The magazine is marked “U”.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the early style dual aperture “L” flip style sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an “I” cut, high wood stock, with a two rivet handguard, type 1 barrel band that is missing its sling ring, a cross bolt 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 compressions, nicks and surface level lines throughout. There is a notable marr in the belly of the stock. There are no chips or cracks. The butt plate has lost its finish, developed surface rust and is slightly loose. Overall the stock set is in Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
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 65% of its metal finish. The rifle shows thinning finish throughout with pitting and surface rust on many of the parts. The bolt and receiver show rub wear on the friction surfaces. The finish shows discoloration from age. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall the rifle is in Good to 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.
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. 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. Don’t let the exterior of this rifle fool you; it appears to be a total sleeper with a fantastic bore. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.