Rock ola found!

chan57 · 01-01-2008, 01:09 PM

Hi folks, newbe here.

while at my father inlaws today, talking about my recent trips to gunshows, he asked me to look at a old rifle he has had from the 60's. Man, he pulls out this old shipping box dated 1966, from the red river arsenal (shipping value 20.00). It is a 30 cal.rifle with rock ola barrel and reciever,ser.# 6077068, has some letters on the butt, and is in very nice working order.then he pulls out the ammo box with 30 cal shells and bandoliers,with speed loaders to boot. Had a idea from the gun shows what its worth was, so i told him around 450 or so, he says well do you want it, im like sure but let me look up the spec.s on it.
so, it does have a adjustable rear sight, no oiler or sling (unless its in another box) i think it had a bayonet lug on it also,cant remember (crs).

Any ideas on the price i should ask for this gun, i know thier is a lot of variables to consider, but a good range would be most helpful.

thx

TheJoker · 01-01-2008, 01:41 PM

Welcome to the forum Chan57. You came to the right place. There is a lot of knowledge about M1 Carbines in here!

It sounds like a nice rifle. The Rock Ola manufactured carbines are one of the more collectable. I watched the Auction sites last year and saw these going for $700 to $1000 depending on the condition. The arsenal packaging might just put the value at the higher range.

P.S. Don't sell it. It sounds like a "keeper"!

Mooseman684 · 01-01-2008, 01:45 PM

Sounds like a Real find, and worth a bit more than 450.00 ...try 800.00 to 1000.00. Rock Ola's are Sought after, and even re-arsenaled, in the box it was shipped in adds value !
Rich

oldjarhead · 01-01-2008, 03:30 PM

Moose is right. Keep the ammo the way it is also. Rockola was a juke box company that produced carbines for the war effort and is one of the more rare makes. Buy it lock, stock, and barrel.

billy · 01-01-2008, 03:42 PM

are you gonna sporterize it?
pink metalflake paint?
i would!

tristan · 01-01-2008, 06:56 PM

Are you looking to buy it from him or sell it for him? Might make a difference if it's an "all in the family" deal rather than a sale to a third party.

chan57 · 01-02-2008, 07:14 AM

After some discussion with my father inlaw, he is not going to sell, but gave me the gun anyway. I didnt know what to say, except thank you, and offered him cash for it, he would not accept the money.
Thanks for all your info folks it reallly surprized him to know how much the gun is now worth.

So does anyone know how to protect a cardboard shipping box, all the tape and most of the glue has let go, guess i could just re tape it all?

The gun i know some what how to take care of, clean it, oil it, any further ideas would be most helpful.

thx

Dookiebutt · 01-02-2008, 07:28 AM

Marry his daughter, get a Rockola. I hope it's been a good deal.

ArkansasHunter · 01-02-2008, 07:38 AM

Feller you got a nice gift from your F I L ! Let us know how it shoots and pictures would be nice...A.H

oldjarhead · 01-02-2008, 11:44 AM

I wouldn't do anything to the box if it's in good shape. Keep it in a dry place to prevent water (moisture) damage.

The carbine care is routine.

You have a good heirloom in the making.

Mooseman684 · 01-02-2008, 12:25 PM

Do not re-tape it...or anything...leave the box just the way it is...wrap it in plastic and put it away where it cant get wet ...
Take very good care of the rifle, keep it lightly oiled, and in a dry place , put the ammo, etc in a clean ammo can for storage...
Rich

Troy · 01-02-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy

are you gonna sporterize it?
pink metalflake paint?
i would!

BILLY!!!!!!!!

chan57 · 01-02-2008, 01:11 PM

ok,will do folks thanks so much for you tips. ill see about getting some pic's up and let you know how it shoots.

Troy · 01-02-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chan57

After some discussion with my father inlaw, he is not going to sell, but gave me the gun anyway. I didnt know what to say, except thank you, and offered him cash for it, he would not accept the money.

buy any lotto tickets lately? you shoud while your on a hot streak like that.

Uncle Red · 01-02-2008, 05:01 PM

Chan57,

Welcome the G&G. Regarding to the box; cardboard, paper, tape, etc. have acid in them that degrade those items over time. You can go to a Hobby Lobby or other arts & craft / scrapbook store and buy a can of Archival Mist or Deacidification Spray (acid neutralizer spray). The spray will slow or stop the process of decay, and make the box last much longer. It will not reverse the damage that has already been done. Archival Mist (name brand) is about $40. The 3M brand, Deacidification Spray, is the same stuff, but sells for about $14 so you don’t want to waist it. However, you can maintain the value/collectability of the box and paperwork.

-UR

chan57 · 01-03-2008, 01:17 PM

ahh, thx for the tip on the box, had no idea about the chemicals or the acid neutralizer spray. ill get treated then stored in a dry place. thx again

Paper · 01-07-2008, 08:35 PM

I hope you got your FIL a nice Christmas present..

Minimum, get a nice photo of he and the rifle, blow it up big, and get it framed after he signs and dates it..

Then give it to him with a huge thank you.

Someday, you'll get the photo back and it'll mean that much more to you..

That's what I'd do, anyway..

chan57 · 01-09-2008, 07:22 AM

Paper, thx so much, i been racking my brain trying to figure out something to give him, and that photo would work really well.ill git-r-done.

chan57 · 01-26-2008, 05:01 PM

gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 043.JPG
gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 044.JPG
gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 045.JPG
gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 046.JPG
gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 049.JPG
gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 052.JPGPics of the rock-ola sorry, the one of the barrel and reciever markins did not show up very well thanks in part to my daughters' skills. Ive decided to leave the gun and stuff at his home and let him keep it safe for now. He is still tickled pink that it is worth so much. I think ill getthe one photo of him blown up and signed and give it to him as suggested by Paper. thanks again folks for all your input.

chan57 · 01-26-2008, 05:20 PM

oh, it has the letters b.a. on the stock and what looks like jlb in the oiler well on the stock. there is a letter m on the safety also,any info on those markings would be nice thank you in advance.

01-01-2008, 01:09 PM	#1
chan57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: houston,tx Posts: 12	Rock ola found! Hi folks, newbe here. while at my father inlaws today, talking about my recent trips to gunshows, he asked me to look at a old rifle he has had from the 60's. Man, he pulls out this old shipping box dated 1966, from the red river arsenal (shipping value 20.00). It is a 30 cal.rifle with rock ola barrel and reciever,ser.# 6077068, has some letters on the butt, and is in very nice working order.then he pulls out the ammo box with 30 cal shells and bandoliers,with speed loaders to boot. Had a idea from the gun shows what its worth was, so i told him around 450 or so, he says well do you want it, im like sure but let me look up the spec.s on it. so, it does have a adjustable rear sight, no oiler or sling (unless its in another box) i think it had a bayonet lug on it also,cant remember (crs). Any ideas on the price i should ask for this gun, i know thier is a lot of variables to consider, but a good range would be most helpful. thx

01-01-2008, 01:41 PM	#2
TheJoker Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 642	Welcome to the forum Chan57. You came to the right place. There is a lot of knowledge about M1 Carbines in here! It sounds like a nice rifle. The Rock Ola manufactured carbines are one of the more collectable. I watched the Auction sites last year and saw these going for $700 to $1000 depending on the condition. The arsenal packaging might just put the value at the higher range. P.S. Don't sell it. It sounds like a "keeper"! __________________ "Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss." -- Lazarus Long

01-01-2008, 01:45 PM	#3
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness...Currently in Holiday, Fla. Posts: 11,011 Images: 2	Sounds like a Real find, and worth a bit more than 450.00 ...try 800.00 to 1000.00. Rock Ola's are Sought after, and even re-arsenaled, in the box it was shipped in adds value ! Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

01-01-2008, 03:42 PM	#5
billy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 15,776 Images: 10 Blog Entries: 158	are you gonna sporterize it? pink metalflake paint? i would! __________________ ignint mcnugget... the slug o love sez... remember kids two warning shots to the head for safety!

01-02-2008, 12:25 PM	#11
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness...Currently in Holiday, Fla. Posts: 11,011 Images: 2	Do not re-tape it...or anything...leave the box just the way it is...wrap it in plastic and put it away where it cant get wet ... Take very good care of the rifle, keep it lightly oiled, and in a dry place , put the ammo, etc in a clean ammo can for storage... Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

01-01-2008, 03:30 PM	#4
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MO Posts: 1,023	Moose is right. Keep the ammo the way it is also. Rockola was a juke box company that produced carbines for the war effort and is one of the more rare makes. Buy it lock, stock, and barrel.

01-01-2008, 06:56 PM	#6
tristan Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 10	Are you looking to buy it from him or sell it for him? Might make a difference if it's an "all in the family" deal rather than a sale to a third party.

01-02-2008, 07:14 AM	#7
chan57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: houston,tx Posts: 12	After some discussion with my father inlaw, he is not going to sell, but gave me the gun anyway. I didnt know what to say, except thank you, and offered him cash for it, he would not accept the money. Thanks for all your info folks it reallly surprized him to know how much the gun is now worth. So does anyone know how to protect a cardboard shipping box, all the tape and most of the glue has let go, guess i could just re tape it all? The gun i know some what how to take care of, clean it, oil it, any further ideas would be most helpful. thx

01-02-2008, 07:28 AM	#8
Dookiebutt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: America's North Coast Posts: 1,396	Marry his daughter, get a Rockola. I hope it's been a good deal.

01-02-2008, 07:38 AM	#9
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 11,267	Feller you got a nice gift from your F I L ! Let us know how it shoots and pictures would be nice...A.H

01-02-2008, 11:44 AM	#10
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MO Posts: 1,023	I wouldn't do anything to the box if it's in good shape. Keep it in a dry place to prevent water (moisture) damage. The carbine care is routine. You have a good heirloom in the making.

01-02-2008, 01:11 PM	#13
chan57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: houston,tx Posts: 12	ok,will do folks thanks so much for you tips. ill see about getting some pic's up and let you know how it shoots.

01-02-2008, 05:01 PM	#15
Uncle Red Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 599	Chan57, Welcome the G&G. Regarding to the box; cardboard, paper, tape, etc. have acid in them that degrade those items over time. You can go to a Hobby Lobby or other arts & craft / scrapbook store and buy a can of Archival Mist or Deacidification Spray (acid neutralizer spray). The spray will slow or stop the process of decay, and make the box last much longer. It will not reverse the damage that has already been done. Archival Mist (name brand) is about $40. The 3M brand, Deacidification Spray, is the same stuff, but sells for about $14 so you don’t want to waist it. However, you can maintain the value/collectability of the box and paperwork. -UR __________________ "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed"--Amendment II, Bill of Rights "He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."--Thomas Paine "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." - Jesus, Luke 22:36

01-03-2008, 01:17 PM	#16
chan57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: houston,tx Posts: 12	ahh, thx for the tip on the box, had no idea about the chemicals or the acid neutralizer spray. ill get treated then stored in a dry place. thx again

01-07-2008, 08:35 PM	#17
Paper Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: IL/WI Border Posts: 1,179	I hope you got your FIL a nice Christmas present.. Minimum, get a nice photo of he and the rifle, blow it up big, and get it framed after he signs and dates it.. Then give it to him with a huge thank you. Someday, you'll get the photo back and it'll mean that much more to you.. That's what I'd do, anyway.. __________________

01-09-2008, 07:22 AM	#18
chan57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: houston,tx Posts: 12	Paper, thx so much, i been racking my brain trying to figure out something to give him, and that photo would work really well.ill git-r-done.

01-26-2008, 05:01 PM	#19
chan57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: houston,tx Posts: 12	gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 043.JPG gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 044.JPG gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 045.JPG gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 046.JPG gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 049.JPG gun m1 carbine 1966 rockola 052.JPGPics of the rock-ola sorry, the one of the barrel and reciever markins did not show up very well thanks in part to my daughters' skills. Ive decided to leave the gun and stuff at his home and let him keep it safe for now. He is still tickled pink that it is worth so much. I think ill getthe one photo of him blown up and signed and give it to him as suggested by Paper. thanks again folks for all your input.

01-26-2008, 05:20 PM	#20
chan57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: houston,tx Posts: 12	oh, it has the letters b.a. on the stock and what looks like jlb in the oiler well on the stock. there is a letter m on the safety also,any info on those markings would be nice thank you in advance.