September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Assembled by Larry Ruth with an assortment of scarce parts, this carbine is built on what appears to be an early National Postal Meter tool room receiver provided by Inland to NPM as they started production, as is designated by a small "P" on the receiver ring as well as its lack of a serial number. Import marked "12-42" dated Rock-Ola barrel with milled front sight and adjustable rear sight. Flat bolt. Mixed internals with a flip safety and "CC / M" magazine catch. Commercial perforated aluminum hand guard retained by a type 2 band. Most importantly this carbine features an extremely rare prototype all steel stock. A shortage of suitable walnut for gunstocks during the Korean War forced Springfield Armory to seek alternatives, including testing 4 steel carbine stocks in 1952. Likely fabricated by the Higgins Pressed Steel Company, this prototype was discovered by Larry, along with a prototype M2 stock at a Pasadena gun shop in the 1970s. Constructed of stamped 20-gauge soft stamped steel, it features an integral front band spring, oiler clip, rear sling bar, and welded butt plate. The assembled carbine is featured on page 1285 of Ruth's "War Baby III", the stock also pictured on 1096 and 1284. CONDITION: Good as assembled. Barrel has largely faded to patina, the receiver retaining the majority of its original finish with some expected wear. Stock displays an honest blended brown patina. Very good bright bore. ME of 4. Fine mechanics. A very interesting carbine featuring one of only 2 known existing all steel prototype stocks. PROVENANCE: Larry Ruth Collection