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LOT 1384
Colt Browning Model 1914 “Potato Digger”
Machine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no. 16812, 7.92 mm cal., 27
inch fluted bbl., blue finish, walnut 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 about 6 inches with significant force during the firing cycle, is the source of the weapon’s
nickname. While historically overshadowed by Browning’s more famous 1917 and 1919 machine guns, the
design was adopted as a training weapon and vehicle armament by the U.S., while also being fielded by
Russia and Italy leading into World War One. Measuring about 41 inches in overall length, with a blade front
and a flip-up elevation adjustable rear sight, heavily ribbed barrel and a wooden pistol grip. The barrel and
receiver are matching numbered, the former with Browning’s 1895 patent and caliber markings (remarked to
7.92mm) and the Colt address on the latter.
CONDITION: Very fine as period converted to 7.92mm, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina (most noticeable around the remarked caliber marking), scattered scratches and handling marks, and mild
spotting. The grips are fine, with minor scratches and dents overall, and three notches cut into the right panel. 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: 11,000 - 16,000
LOT 1383
Group Industries Model 37 Belt Fed Machine Gun, Class III/NFA Fully
Transferable, with Tripod and 22 Caliber Conversion Components -
Serial no. 300179, 7.62 mm cal., 24 inch round
bbl., matte gray phosphate finish, hardwood
grips. Manufactured prior to the 1986 machine
gun registration cutoff, this is a Group Industries
transferable machine gun in the Browning 1919 pattern, built using components from a number of sources. An evolution of the Model
1917, the air cooled 1919 arrived too late for World War I, but would be a signature American weapon through World War II and beyond.
The “Model 37” was Colt’s commercial offering of the Browning 1917. The Group Industries markings are prominent on the right sideplate,
with folding blade front and peep and notch rear sights on top of the receiver, ventilated heat shield, and a spade grip assembly with a
transfer bar thumb trigger. Included with the lot is a Swiss anti-aircraft tripod and a set of 22 caliber conversion components from Buffalo
Arms, including a number of sub-caliber cartridge carriers, a length of belt modified to hold the carriers, bags of adapters, sub-caliber
barrel, incomplete bolt assembly, small parts, and box.
CONDITION: Very fine as configured with 95% of the matte gray phosphate finish, showing some scratches and handling marks overall. Grips are very fine, with some light dings.
Mechanically excellent. Accessories are in good order. 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) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
Estimate: 15,000 - 22,500