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LOT 3376
Exceptional
Swiss-Made
Solothurn
Model S-18/1000 20mm
Autocannon, Class III/NFA Destructive Device, with Transport Chest, Numerous
Accessories and Ammunition - Serial no. 1322, 20 mm cal., 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 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 muzzle break on the threaded 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, folding front bipod,
folding adjustable rear monopod, and a thick, rubberized recoil pad. Included with the lot are a set of two steel framed
pack rigs, thirty rounds of ammunition (mixed headstamps, primarily blue-painted projectiles), cleaning tools, spare parts, a
hardwood transport chest, and seven extra magazines.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown and plum patina, edge wear, and minor
handling marks. Some mixed numbered internal parts. The grips are excellent, and the recoil pad shows scuffing and tearing.
Optics are a bit hazy, but in fine order otherwise. Mechanically needs adjustment, ejector and its retaining piece included
separately. The accessories are good, with some of the ammunition showing wear and corrosion. 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: 22,500 - 37,500
LOT 3377
224 Rounds of
20x138mmB
“Long
Solothurn”
Anti-Tank
Rifle
Ammunition
- Developed
in the 1930s,
the “Long Solothurn” cartridge was used by a number of anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons during World War II,
most prominently the Swiss Solothurn S-18 auto cannon and the Lahti L-39. Mixed headstamps, primarily blue
colored projectiles, some with cardboard protective sleeves. Lot also includes two hardwood cases.
CONDITION: Fair or better overall, with some cartridges showing signs of rust/corrosion. Both cases show wear
appropriate to age and use.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
LOT 3378
224 Rounds of 20x138mmB
“Long Solothurn” Anti-
Tank Rifle Ammunition
- Developed in the 1930s,
the “Long Solothurn”
cartridge was used by a
number of anti-tank and
anti-aircraft weapons
during World War II, most
prominently the Swiss
Solothurn S-18 auto cannon and the Lahti L-39. Mixed headstamps, primarily blue colored projectiles, some with
cardboard protective sleeves. Lot also includes three hardwood cases.
CONDITION: Fair or better overall, with some rust/corrosion. Cases are in good order, showing wear and tear
appropriate to age.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000