Rock-Ola M1 Carbine, US Military, WWII, 1754086, FB01953

Description

Synopsis:

Attractive example of an original Rock-Ola U.S. military M1 carbine made during World War II with correctly marked components, bright bore, and proper manual mechanics.

Description:

Rock-Ola M1 Carbines were produced between 1943-1944, cal. .30, SN: 1754086. This mid production example has a milled front sight bracketed by protective ears. The undated barrel, correct in later Rock-Ola production, is marked “ROCK-OLA” over a “P” proof. Chamber area marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL..30 M1”. Flat blued bolt. Rear of receiver marked “ROCK-OLA” over the serial number “1754086”. Barrel band is unmarked with wide aperture. Flip rear sight. “S” marked on left side of base, “RR” on the right side. Magazine release marked “BR”. The high wood “I”-cut walnut stock has “RMC” stamped in a rectangular cartouche (representing Rock-Ola Manufacturing Company) adjacent to large ordnance wheel on the right side of the butt, “RMC” in the sling cutout, and an unmarked square checkered metal buttplate. Disassembly shows “RMC” inside the handguard. The trigger group is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the right side and the hammer “X” on the right and “KR” on the left. The blued magazine is marked “BW”. Complete with oiler and green khaki web sling. Rock-Ola became a prime contractor for M1 carbine production during World War II, delivering carbines at $58 each before contracts were cancelled on May 31, 1944, with Rock-Ola’s production total being the lowest of any successful carbine prime contractor at 3.7%.

Condition:

VG+ original condition metal parts with the lettering on the barrel haloing nicely, the markings having cut through the parkerizing. Comparable condition receiver and trigger guard housing. The flip sight rotates loosely when positioned to the higher aperture. Oil darkened stock, the left side with numerous scuffs, scrapes, and handling marks as carefully pictured. Excellent, bright bore with minimal erosions, sharp rifling. Correct manual mechanics.