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LOT 479
VSM Vickers Mark I Heavy Machine Gun, Class III/ NFA Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Tripod - Serial no. A3425, 303 Cal. , 28 inch round bbl., blue/black finish, hardwood grips. Manufactured by the “VSM” Company of Cincinnati, Ohio using a mixture of their sideplate with original parts, this is an exceptionally well made, fully functional version of the famous Vickers Machine Gun. In many ways an evolution of the Maxim gun, the Vickers was a state of the art heavy machine gun, with the water cooling mechanism permitting a volume of sustained fire that can’t be matched by air-cooled single barrel weapons. Properly positioned and supplied, the Vickers could inflict hideous damage to an exposed or charging enemy, and a large number of casualties in World War I were due to these weapons. While later strategic developments would favor lighter, air-cooled guns as an organic part of the infantry unit, the Vickers still performed well during the inter-war period, being very well suited to fixed position defense and stationary operations. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with a muzzle booster device fitted to the ribbed water jacket, serial number on the right sideplate and water jacket, British “broad arrow” proofs on multiple components, and a thumb trigger with “butterfly” safety. A set of smooth spade grips are installed, with the tension mechanism on the left side of the receiver. Included with the lot is a green painted field mount tripod. CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% of the thin original blue and refurbished black finish, with mild wear and handling marks overall. Some of the military surplus components show heavier wear and covered pitting. The grips are fine, with some light dings. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479. Estimate: 15,000 - 22,500