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LOT 350
Extremely Scarce Carl Gustaf Model 1921 BAR Light Machine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Extra Magazines and Accessories - Serial no. 6303, 6.5 cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1930, this is a seldom encountered Swedish-made variant of the famed 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle. Part of the first generation of relatively lightweight automatic weapons intended for use by small units, the BAR set a standard for the highly mobile infantry machine gun that stood up for many wars, and found a home in many arsenals through both direct export and licensed local production. Sweden was an adopter, taking up their 1921 variant as made both in Belgium by FN and at home by the noted Carl Gustaf firm, like this one. Most of the “guts” of the Swedish 1921 are instantly recognizable as the BAR, with most of
the changes being ergonomic in nature, such as the addition of a full pistol grip and the change of the selector switch from a low profile lever to a more prominent thumb switch that can be reached by the right hand without breaking grip. Hooded blade front and folding ladder peep sights with fixed battle sight, a threaded muzzle with thread protector, folding bipod with spiked feet, and finely checkered forearm, grip and buttstock. The top of the receiver bears the Carl Gustaf markings along with the date of “1930”. The selector switch is marked “P” (semi), “A”
(full) and “S” (safe), with a variant on the spring loaded safety lockout of the 1918; disengaging the safety cannot be done unless the lockout is depressed, but the lockout only provides extra resistance and tactile feedback before flipping over from automatic to safe. The magazine is reconfigured to accommodate the Swedish 6.5mm rifle round, with a mild curve to accommodate the rim. Included with the lot are eight extra magazines, a BAR assistant gunner’s magazine belt, two ammo belts (appear to be for the M1 Garand or similar clip-fed weapon), and a Pelican-brand hard case.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 95% of the arsenal quality refurbished blue finish, showing some mild handling marks, takedown/cycling wear, and some brightness on the edges. Mixed numbers are present on some components. The buttstock shows cracking on either side of the wrist, a typical issue for the BAR and its derivatives, with the remainder of the wood in good condition, showing mild 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 478.
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500