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LOT 394
Rare Factory Prototype Harrington &
Richardson Model 55 Cutaway Reising Submachine
Gun, Serial Number “X24”, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun,
with Jump Case, Holster and Accessories - Serial no. X24, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted bbl., parkerized finish, metal/
walnut stock. Developed and manufactured during World War II. 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. This particular Model 55 is in “cut-away” configuration, with a series of three
rectangular cuts showing the breech, the locking notch for the bolt, and the striker mechanism, a thinner cut towards the
rear showing the retention spring for the end-cap, and some internal cuts to show the interplay of the sear, disconnector and
sear trip. While not documented, the quality of the cuts, the finish inside the cuts, and the use of an “X” prefix serial number
suggest that the item was made in-house by Harrington & Richardson, either as an educational tool for their own staff or as a
demonstration model for potential buyers. Blade front and elevation adjustable peep rear sights, with “P” 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 the proper short pistol grip pattern, but while it has been milled for the folding stock hardware, said
hardware was not installed. Included with the lot are two total magazines (one standard capacity, one reduced capacity), extra stock with
installed buttstock hardware and tan canvas sling, “U.S.M.C.” marked five-cell tan canvas magazine pouch, a camouflage pattern “jump
case”, tan canvas holster/scabbard, a copy of a vintage photo of a Paramarine formation marching through San Diego (wearing Reising
holster/scabbards similar to the one in the lot, with a note attributing it to 1943), commemorative medallion for the Navajo Code Talkers
(one of the figures in the scene on the medallion is armed with a Reising 55), and manual.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 98% original parkerized finish, showing
some handling/storage marks. The unfinished original stock is fine,
with mild dings and dents, and the extra stock is good as refinished,
with some dings. A pin in the bolt is prone to creeping out since
there is no longer metal on the left side of the receiver to restrict its
movement; otherwise, the item mechanically functions, properly
showcasing the operation of the weapon, although firing is not
recommended due to factory milling performed on the receiver.
Accessories are 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: 25,000 - 35,000