US WWII Quality Hardware M1 Carbine .30 Cal Rifle 1943 C&R Vintage Rare
SOLD FOR: $1,551.00
WOA#: WY240509SS001
Make: Quality Hardware & Machine Co.
Model: M-1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1918713
Year of Manufacture: The receiver dates to July-August 1943. The barrel is dated September 1944.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top-rear of the receiver is marked “QUALITY H.M.C.” and “1918713”.
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE” and “CAL .30 M1”.
The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 9-44” along with the “flaming bomb” acceptance stamp of the Ordnance Department. Underwood did supply barrels to QHMC, though this barrel was made about one year later than the receiver. The original owner decided not to correct the barrel because: “The bore is sweet, and the carbine is a great shooter. I myself wanted no part in changing that”.
The front barrel band is a Type 1 with three weld spots, and no stamps. The swivel is a “QU” marked QHMC swivel.
The front sight is marked “N” for Neidner, and is a Type 1 milled front sight.
The rear sight is marked “S” and “BQ” which stands for Jasper Blackburn. These sights were used briefly in 1943.
The magazine release button is marked “MWA”. Type 3.
The receiver block in the stock is unmarked.
The inside of the upper handguard is marked “Q-RMC”. Rock-Ola Music Company made for QHMC. 2 rivet style.
The hammer is marked “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph made for QHMC.
The trigger group is marked “Q-NL” for National Lock Co. made for QHMC. Type 3.
The trigger is marked “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph made for QHMC.
The right side of the stock is marked with an Ordnance Department “crossed cannons” cartouche.
The sear is marked “GE-Q” for Gerrard Co. made for QHMC.
The stock is marked “Q-RMC” for Rock-Ola Music Co. made for QHMC.
The spring tube housing is marked “Q” for QHMC.
The slide is marked “DA-Q” for Dalkin Co. made for QHMC. Type 2.
The bolt is marked “EM-Q” for Elgin Metal Novelty Co. made for QHMC.
The firing pin is marked “NL-Q” for National Lock Co. made for QHMC.
The extractor is marked “W.Q.” for Wadsworth Watch Case made for QHMC.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is the early style, Type 1, L-type with two settings, one for 150 yards and one for 300 yards.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Type 2 high-wood with oval sling cut and a 2-rivet upper handguard, Type I barrel band, and a checkered metal butt plate. This carbine also has the early style cross bolt safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock has very minor compressions and scratches throughout. The metal butt plate has lost some of its finish and has begun to patina. Overall, the stock is in Excellent condition for C&R.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This carbine includes one original US WW2 blued 15 round magazine that is marked “UQ” for Union Hardware made for QHMC. The magazine is in Very Good condition with minor rust freckling.
Type of Finish: Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This carbine retains about 95% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish loss is on the friction surfaces of the receiver, bolt, and the face of the trigger guard. Overall, this carbine is in Excellent condition for C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this carbine. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This carbine includes a modern made “C-tip” green canvas sling, a summary written by the previous owner, and the above mentioned magazine.
Our Assessment: Early in WW2, the US military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy M-1 Garand and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911A1 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact, easy-to-handle shoulder arm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size battle rifle. In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester, Quality Hardware & Machine Co., and General Motors’ Inland Division, to develop and produce the M-1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David “Carbine” Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful Garand and the short-recoil action of the Thompson Submachine Gun. The M-1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 round used in the Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements. The M-1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II in the hands of US infantry, paratroopers, Marines, and support personnel, and was loved by the troops for its ease of use, compact design, and reliability. Quality Hardware produced 360,000 M-1 Carbines in total during the war. This example of an early Quality Hardware M-1 Carbine is exceptionally clean, and has been lovingly cared for. If you have always wanted to own an M-1 carbine you will be hard pressed to find a better example. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!! -R.L.
