Lot 1576: Historic World War II Rock-Ola Factory Presentation M1 Carbine

With the lowest production numbers of all the M1 Carbine suppliers of World War II, Rock-Ola Carbines are already scarce, with a top quality presentation gun such as this being especially rare, worthy of a place of honor in an advanced collection. Produced circa 1943-1944, as part of Rock-Ola's second to last serial number block, this carbine was intended for Mr. H. Veneklasen, a member of the staff of Henry L. Stimpson, Secretary of War. Standard markings on the front receiver ring, the rear of the receiver is marked "ROCK-OLA/EX-6095440", and "ROCK-OLA" on the recoil plate and barrel. Correctly marked parts, with the early features produced during this time period, such as the Type II barrel band, flip rear sight, unmarked push button safety, the smooth "A-R" marked M1 type magazine catch and two rivet handguard. The various parts are marked as follows: rear sight "RR", bolt "ROCK-OLA", extractor "R", operating slide "ROCK-OLA", trigger guard "ROCK-OLA", and hammer "LTQ-R. Fitted with a low wood stock produced from attractively figured walnut and made without the oiler and sling cutouts, showing a fine tiger stripe pattern down the length. The carbine is housed in a handmade walnut presentation display case that has a small brass presentation plaque on the inside of the lid that says "M-1 CAL. .30-CARBINE/MANUFACTURED BY/ROCK-OLA/Manufacturing Corporation/CHICAGO/PRESENTED TO/H. VENEKLASEN/1945". The display case houses the carbine, with the following original new in the wrapper Rock-Ola accessories: a WWII canvas sling, the metal stock oiler and two 15 round magazines.

Excellent plus with 97% plus of the original high polished blue finish, showing a few scratches on the barrel from the band and minor wear from cycling and handling. The stock is also excellent, with minimal pressure dents. The case and accessories are very fine with the wood display case showing handling marks on the edges and corners with the left lower corner having some minor separation of the wood from age, and mild scratches overall. A super example of a historic World War II Rock-Ola presentation cased M1 Carbine.