Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the National Postal Meter (NPM) M1 Carbine.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: National Postal Meter (NPM)
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial: 1454227
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 18"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver (in the front) is stamped “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1”. The top of the receiver (on the rear) is stamped “NATIONAL POSTAL METER / 1454227”. The top of the barrel is stamped “UNDERWOOD / 12-42” over a flaming bomb. The left side of the stock is stamped “MR”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1942, as the shock of Pearl Harbor wore off, the war effort in the United States rapidly intensified, creating an urgent demand for weapons—especially the lightweight and highly portable M1 Carbine. The U.S. military needed more than a million carbines in a short time, leading companies with no prior firearms experience to enter production. One such company was the U.S. National Postal Meter Company of Rochester, New York, originally known for manufacturing metered mailing machines, postal scales, and letter-handling equipment. Despite lacking the equipment, factory space, and workforce needed to produce a light, short-barreled rifle, the company successfully adapted, producing 413,017 M1 Carbines between 1942 and 1944, ranking fifth among the ten prime contractors. To meet production demands, National Postal Meter relied heavily on a network of subcontractors, a common practice in the M1 Carbine program, where parts were designed to be interchangeable. When the contract was awarded in April 1942, it was determined that the company would focus on producing only key components—the receiver, operating slide, bolt, and trigger housing—while the government supplied barrels, most commonly produced by Underwood, and outsourced many other parts.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial: 1454227
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 18"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver (in the front) is stamped “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1”. The top of the receiver (on the rear) is stamped “NATIONAL POSTAL METER / 1454227”. The top of the barrel is stamped “UNDERWOOD / 12-42” over a flaming bomb. The left side of the stock is stamped “MR”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1942, as the shock of Pearl Harbor wore off, the war effort in the United States rapidly intensified, creating an urgent demand for weapons—especially the lightweight and highly portable M1 Carbine. The U.S. military needed more than a million carbines in a short time, leading companies with no prior firearms experience to enter production. One such company was the U.S. National Postal Meter Company of Rochester, New York, originally known for manufacturing metered mailing machines, postal scales, and letter-handling equipment. Despite lacking the equipment, factory space, and workforce needed to produce a light, short-barreled rifle, the company successfully adapted, producing 413,017 M1 Carbines between 1942 and 1944, ranking fifth among the ten prime contractors. To meet production demands, National Postal Meter relied heavily on a network of subcontractors, a common practice in the M1 Carbine program, where parts were designed to be interchangeable. When the contract was awarded in April 1942, it was determined that the company would focus on producing only key components—the receiver, operating slide, bolt, and trigger housing—while the government supplied barrels, most commonly produced by Underwood, and outsourced many other parts.
This led to contributions from a variety of non-traditional manufacturers, including the Trimble Nurseryland Furniture Company, located just a few miles away in Rochester, which produced stocks and handguards, as well as firms like IBM and the Todd Company, which supplied smaller components. National Postal Meter had to build its operation from the ground up, acquiring a former automobile showroom and assembling engineering and supervisory staff from across the country. After laying out a production line and completing preliminary engineering work, the company delivered a small pilot lot of carbines in January 1943, followed by its first full batch of 1,000 rifles the next month. Production quickly accelerated, reaching a peak output of approximately 45,500 carbines per month by December 1943. Throughout this process, the carbines demonstrated solid overall performance in testing—showing good resistance to dust, strong endurance, and exceptional reliability in rain, where they reportedly outperformed other M1 Carbines from manufacturers. However, they proved less effective in heavy mud.
As production continued, the collaborative nature remained evident, with multiple Rochester-based companies contributing to various components. Near the end of its contract, National Postal Meter underwent a corporate name change, resulting in a small number of carbines—239 in total—being marked “Commercial Controls Corporation,” an earlier associated entity, Rochester National Defense Corporation, never appeared on finished rifles. Despite its unconventional beginnings and reliance on outside suppliers, National Postal Meter successfully became a key contributor to the wartime production effort, illustrating the adaptability and industrial mobilization of American manufacturing during World War II.
Contents:
This example will ship with one magazine.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1165198487 |
BidPrice: |
205 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-04-12 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1125 |
