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U.S. Navy “No. 2” Marked Maxim- Nordenfelt 5-Barrel Volley “Machine” Gun
The weapon basically functions by simply moving the side mounted crank handle backwards and forwards. The initial operation of the weapon is by retracting the crank handle to the rear, this movement retracts the breech bolts rearward, which in turn allows five rounds to drop from the gravity fed hopper magazine located on top of the weapon through the cutouts on top of the receiver/top cover. Upon pushing the crank handle forward, this advances the breech bolts forward, while simultaneously positioning the rounds in line with the chambers in which the five rounds fire at the end of travel. The operation is repeated with the addition of the extraction and ejection function, in which the empty shells drop out the bottom. The speed or cyclic rate of firing is determined by how fast the operator can move the crank handle forward and backwards. The weapon itself is all machined steel with a “U” shaped frame in which the five barrels are mounted in parallel, with a brass breech block, blade and notch sights with elevation adjustable rear sight. The top cover on the gun is marked “U.S.N./7 M/M NORDENFELT. NO. 2./W.S./WT 154 LBS./1898.” in five lines, and a rectangular brass plaque affixed to the rear of the gun reads “MAXIM NORDENFELT/7 M/M MAUSER/No 1483”. Matching visible serial number “1483” on various components, besides the pin for the elevation mechanism numbered “1484” and the period original magazine marked “SM 1482” and “U.S.N. No. 1”. The gun is mounted
on an original brass navy mount with an oval brass plaque that reads “Maxim-Nordenfelt/ No 2857/LONDON.” and the base is also marked with a Maxim-Nordenfelt maker marking along with “U.S.N. 7 M/M NORDENFELT. No. 2./W.S. WT 224 LBS. 1898.” marked in two places, with hand-cranked elevation and traverse knobs.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine and in a very fresh untouched state. Retains 85% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance,
some scattered light freckling, attractive golden aged
patina on the brass components, and sharp markings
and edges overall. Four out of the five firing pins
function, otherwise mechanically fine. The navy mount
retains 99% of the applied red painted finish. One may
wait a lifetime to witness another U.S. Navy Maxim-
Nordenfelt 5-barrel volley “machine” gun offered for sale,
let alone in exceptional condition like this example!
Estimate: 75,000 - 120,000
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