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LOT 392
Rare Harrington &
Richardson Model 55
Reising Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA
C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun
with Box and Accessories - Serial no.
94215, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted bbl.,
parkerized finish, metal/hardwood stock.
A counterpart to the more common
Model 50 Reising, the Model 55
was developed based on USMC
feedback on the 50, with an eye
for arming their “Paramarine” parachute
units with a compact close-quarters battle
weapon. Internally the 55 is nearly
identical to the 50, with the primary
differences being A) the elimination of the muzzle brake to
reduce overall barrel length and B) adding a short hardwood
stock with side-folding metal buttstock, similar to the M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine.
While regarded as a lightweight and accurate weapon, the Reising struggled in combat
conditions, being prone to malfunction if not kept scrupulously clean; while it had
success as a “home front” post defense, police and security weapon, the Marines parted
ways with the Reising as soon as suitable quantities of Thompsons, M3s, and carbines
were available. Blade front and elevation adjustable peep rear sights, with “PM” marked at the rear of the fluted barrel, three-line manufacturer markings (with the
second “5” in “55” struck through a “0”), and a three position selector switch on the right side. The stock is fitted with sling swivels on the forearm and pistol grip,
and the hardware for the folding stock on the left side. Included with the lot is a shipping box, canvas sling, cleaning rod, two manuals, a “U.S.M.C.” marked five-
cell tan canvas magazine pouch, four extra magazines, and a “USMC frogskin” pattern soft case hand-marked “G.W. CHOAT” on the exterior. Consignor information attributes the weapon (but not the other included items) to the
Harrington & Richardson factory museum, where it was reportedly on display until being sold in the early 1980s. Online records list a George William Choate Junior as a Private with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment,
Fifth Marine Division of the Fleet Marine Force, reported as KIA on February 19, 1945; this would correspond to the first day of ground action in the Battle of Iwo Jima, where the Fifth Division suffered severe casualties during their
efforts to get clear of the beaches near Mount Suribachi to move on to their inland objectives.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 98% of the original parkerized finish, showing some light wear and handling marks. The stock is also excellent, with some minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. Accessories are very fine, with
light wear and staining. 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: 16,000 - 25,000
LOT 393
Harrington & Richardson Model 50 Reising
Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable
Machine Gun - Serial no. 11730, 45 ACP cal., 11 inch fluted bbl.,
blue finish, walnut stock. A closed-bolt blowback-operated submachine gun, the Reising
Model 50 saw action with the U.S. Marines in the Pacific as a substitute for the M1 Thompson, though they
found their best success as defensive weapons for war-essential industries and as patrol carbines for American police
forces. Blade front and elevation adjustable peep rear sights, with a flash hider/muzzle brake, cooling fins on the
“P” marked barrel, three-line Worcester address near the ejection port,
and three-position selector/safety on the right side. A “narrow” profile
magazine well is installed. Smooth pistol grip stock with a cocking lever on
the underside, canvas sling, and a lightly ribbed buttplate; typically seen
with sling swivels on the underside and a large takedown thumbscrew, this
stock has the swivels on the right and a smaller, flathead
takedown screw. Magazine absent.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 85% of the original blue finish, showing areas
of brown patina, spotting, and mild handling marks. The re-oiled stock has
been sanded and repaired, with filler added between the magazine well
and takedown screw, dents and scratches. 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) 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: 9,500 - 14,000