#75 • Quality Hardware & Machine Co. U.S. M1 Carbine Semi-Automatic Rifle - .30 Carbine

Part of WINTER SPORTSMAN CONSIGNMENT AUCTION MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 6:30PM (timed auction by Edinburg Auction Sales. Inc. )

Starting at $10.00

Status: Available

Category: FIREARMS

Quality Hardware & Machine Corporation | M1 Carbine | .30 Carbine | WWII U.S. Military Rifle During World War II, the United States called upon American industry to manufacture millions of firearms for the rapidly expanding armed forces. Among the companies selected was Quality Hardware & Machine Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, a manufacturer specializing in tools, dies, machinery, and metalworking rather than firearms. Quality Hardware was awarded a government contract in May 1942 and became one of the principal contractors responsible for producing the legendary U.S. M1 Carbine. Unlike established firearms manufacturers, Quality Hardware relied heavily on a network of subcontractors and other wartime manufacturers to supply components. The company primarily concentrated on receiver production and final assembly, utilizing barrels, stocks, and other parts supplied by outside firms. This approach was an excellent example of American industrial cooperation during WWII, allowing companies with different manufacturing specialties to contribute to the war effort. Quality Hardware produced approximately 359,666 M1 Carbines between 1943 and 1944, accounting for roughly 5.9% of total wartime M1 Carbine production. This made Quality Hardware one of the smaller-volume principal manufacturers compared with giants such as Inland Division of General Motors and Winchester. The company is also known among collectors for its unusual “UN-QUALITY” receivers, manufactured under subcontract by Union Switch & Signal, which represent a particularly interesting variation within Quality Hardware production. The M1 Carbine itself was designed as a lightweight, semiautomatic alternative to heavier service rifles and handguns for soldiers whose duties required greater mobility. Issued to personnel throughout the U.S. military, including infantrymen, paratroopers, officers, and support troops, the carbine became one of the most recognizable American small arms of WWII. Its compact dimensions, manageable recoil, and detachable magazine made it a practical and versatile military firearm. This example bears serial number 4851361 and features an Underwood barrel dated 1944, complete with the U.S. Ordnance flaming-bomb marking and proof stamp. The use of an Underwood barrel is consistent with Quality Hardware's reliance on components supplied by other wartime manufacturers. The rifle exhibits a combination of WWII production characteristics and later military-pattern updates, including a round bolt, low-wood stock, adjustable rear sight marked I.R.CO 7160060, rotating safety, and bayonet-lug barrel band marked KI. These features are consistent with the military upgrades and component changes commonly encountered on M1 Carbines following their original manufacture. An additional RIA marking is stamped into the metal at the rear of the receiver, near the rear screw. The magazine release is marked M WA. Firearm Specs Manufacturer: Quality Hardware & Machine Corporation Model: U.S. M1 Carbine Caliber: .30 Carbine Action: Semiautomatic, gas-operated Barrel Length: 18" Finish: Military-style parkerized finish Stock/Grip: Wood, low-wood military configuration Capacity: 15 rounds, detachable box magazine Sights: Protected front blade; adjustable rear aperture marked I.R.CO 7160060 Year of Manufacture: WWII production, approximately 1944 Barrel Manufacturer: Underwood Barrel Markings: UNDERWOOD ?-44, U.S. Ordnance flaming bomb, P proof Bolt: Round-style bolt Safety: Rotating lever Barrel Band: Bayonet-lug configuration, marked KI Magazine Release: Marked M WA Additional Receiver Marking: RIA, stamped in metal near rear receiver screw Serial Number 4851361 Condition This M1 Carbine is in good overall condition, displaying normal wear consistent with its age and use. The metal surfaces exhibit scattered handling marks and finish wear, without obvious heavy corrosion in the areas inspected. The wood stock remains solid and shows typical scratches, dings, and handling wear throughout. The upper handguard has a very thin, faint crack along its left side. The wood retains an attractive military appearance, with no visible stock cartouches positively identified. The bore is shiny. Extras & Features One 15-round steel magazine, marked U Canvas military-style sling With its Quality Hardware receiver, 1944 Underwood barrel, identifiable military component markings, and later military-style configuration, this M1 Carbine represents an interesting example of American wartime manufacturing and the continuing service history of the U.S. Carbine. A desirable addition to a collection of WWII military firearms, U.S. service rifles, or historically significant American small arms.