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LOT 372
Marlin-Rockwell Model
1918 “Potato Digger”
Machine Gun with Tripod,
Class III/NFA C&R Fully
Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no. 611, 30 cal.,
28 inch fluted bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Originally developed
as the Model 1895 by John M. Browning, the “Potato Digger” was an
early development in gas-operated firearms, using a gas port near the
muzzle of the barrel to power a spring loaded lever arm to cycle the
action. This arm, which projects down and out from the weapon with
significant force during the firing cycle, is the source of the weapon’s
nickname. Originally manufactured by Colt, the production of the arm
was taken over by Marlin Rockwell, who received the rights, the tooling,
and the standing military contracts to the Russian and Italian governments.
Primarily used as a training weapon by American forces, the Marlin found
additional use as aircraft and tank armament in addition to being issued to
National Guard units and the North Russia and Siberia Expedition Forces sent to
intervene in the Russian Civil War. Measuring 42 inches in overall length, the Marlin is
fitted with a blade front and a flip-up elevation adjustable rear sight, with a heavily
ribbed barrel and a wooden pistol grip. The barrel and receiver are separately
marked with the two-line New Haven address and caliber markings, and
“INSP. J.A.D. 1918” on the receiver. A green painted brass and steel
tripod is included, properly configured to not interfere with the
action arm, with traverse swivel, gear-driven elevation
adjustment and a swiveling gunner seat/kneerest.
CONDITION: Fine, with 60% of the blue finish,
showing areas of brown and gray patina,
scattered spotting, and mild handling marks.
The grips are good, with some chips and dents.
Mechanically fine. Tripod is very good. 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) that is classified as a “Curios or Relic” as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These
weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
Estimate:
11,000 - 16,000
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