SOLD - Very Rare Japanese Howa M1 Carbine - Thai Police Issued

Description

10/28/25 - For sale is a very rare M1 Carbine made by Howa Machine Ltd of Japan for the Thai Police. Thailand would receive significant aid from the US after WW2 and would receive roughly under 64,000 M1 and M2 Carbines. The M1 Carbine was a favorite of the Thai Military as its compact nature was easier to handle. Howa Machine Ltd would begin producing M1 Carbines for their own Japanese Self Defense Force as the US wanted to restart Japan's industry and self-reliance on manufacturing. About 10,000 would be delivered to Thailand to be used by the Thai Police in 1965 to 1966. 

The Carbines produced by Howa for the Thai Police were not marked in any way other than "HP" on the barrel flat on the bottom of the barrel. The top of the receiver would be stamped with the Thai Royal Police Crest and the serial number. 

This example is in great shape but shows some wear being in the tropical environemt of Thailand. There are some visible pitting along the woodline on the receiver. The metal retains its oriignal dark finish. The rifle sits in an Inland made high wood stock. The stock shows wear and age and theres a 1/2" crack behind the recoil plate tang. The handguard is stamped S-HB for Standard Products. The bore is is bright with strong rifling, but there is shallow pitting visible towards the muzzle. The bayonet lug, which is specific to these Howa Carbines, is commonly absent.