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LOT 3487
Exceptional Swiss-Made Solothurn Model S-18/1000 20mm Autocannon, Class III/ NFA Destructive Device, with Numerous Accessories - Serial no. 502, 20 mm , 51 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, metal stock. Originally developed by Rheinmetall, the constraints
of the Versailles Treaty forced
them to go to Solothurn in
Switzerland for production, with
this example made in 1940. A
heavy, machined steel beast of a
weapon, contemporary reports
list the S-18 as capable of 20mm
penetration at 100 yards. While
the armor trends of World War II eventually made it obsolete in the anti-tank role, they continued in use as aircraft armament, anti-aircraft guns, and in what is now known as the “anti-materiel” role, smashing up enemy vehicles and equipment. In addition to use by Nazi Germany, the S-18/1000 was also adopted by the Italians, seeing use on the African Front as armament for the L3/35 ‘tankette’, as well as being used by the Italian Social Republic into the last days of the War in Europe. Fitted with a folding blade front and adjustable tangent rear sight, with a 5-port flash hider installed on the muzzle, the model marking and manufacture date on the chamber area, and an integral scope. A large crank with a rubberized handle serves as the cocking mechanism, with
a hardwood grip and a thick, rubberized recoil pad is installed at the rear. In operation, the weapon is supported at the front with an adjustable bipod with integral traverse swivel, and at the rear with an elevation adjustable monopod. Included with the lot are a pair of contemporary hard shell transport cases, three extra magazines, a magazine pouch, 29 rounds of ammunition, two modern American ammo cases and a large canvas pouch with cleaning tools. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with 85% plus original plum-toned blue finish overall, showing a number of scattered scratches overall, along with some bright edge wear and handling marks. The recoil pad shows minor scuffing. Optics are in fine order. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This Destructive Device 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, National Firearms Act.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000
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