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LOT 1357
Scarce World War I Spandau Model 1908/15 Maxim Machine Gun,
Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun with Bipod - Serial no.
5048d, 8 mm cal., 28 inch round bbl., blue/green paint finish, hardwood stock. A variant on the Maxim machine gun, the 1908/15 was a go-to standard for the German Army during World War One, deployed to great effect across countless miles of trench work, turning avenues of approach into deadly obstacles. While still a beefy, water-cooled monster, the 08/15 had improved tactical mobility with the use of a simplified solid bipod and buttstock assembly instead of the large “sled” field mounts of the day, trading off the stability and versatility of the mount for the ability to adjust angle
and reposition much faster. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with a combination flash hider and recoil booster on the front of the water jacket, a checkered pistol grip, and a fixed hardwood buttstock. The arsenal marks and “1918” date are present on the
top cover, with the charging handle on the right side, the tension adjustment mechanism on the left, and a safety switch next to the pistol grip. A brown leather sling, original 100-round belt drum and a steel bipod are included. Per a statement by the consignor, this item was acquired from the owners of an agricultural feedstore in the area of Madison, Nebraska, and per the family history of the owners was captured in the field by a trooper with the 42nd Infantry Division, aka the Rainbow Division, on the Western Front of World War One. The unnamed GI reportedly captured and brought back this 08/15 along with a full sized MG08, which sat in a Nebraska farmhouse and were registered during the 1968 Amnesty, later being hung on the ceiling of the AG store as conversation pieces and advertising gimmicks, staying in the family for 3 generations before being sold to the consignor.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, with 70% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, mild spotting and handling marks. The water jacket and bipod retain about half of an applied brushed green camouflage paint finish, with the remainder having worn through to show the blued steel. Some mixed numbered components are present. The wood is fine, with mild scattered dents overall and some play in the buttstock. Mechanically functions but needs adjustment. 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: 14,000 - 22,500
316
LOT 1358
Wilson Arms Mark II STEN Gun, Class III/ NFA Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Accessories - Serial no. HF-531, 9 mm cal., 8 inch round bbl., matte gray finish, metal stock. Manufactured in the United States, this is a fine recreation of the signature STEN submachine gun of World War II fame, using a mixture of new made and military surplus components. Blade front and peep rear sights, with the manufacturer’s name and address on the underside of the receiver tube, concealed by the trigger mechanism cover, “E&Co” on the underside of the magazine well, and the standard “A” and “R” markings on the selector. The number “26469” has been added to the bolt with electric pencil. Fitted with a straight steel buttstock and a tan canvas sling. Included with the lot is an extra magazine and a loading tool. CONDITION: Fine. 70% matte gray phosphate finish is present on the receiver, magazine well and stock, with some thin spots and handling marks. The barrel and barrel shroud show a mixed brown and gray patina, with scuffs, spots, and deformation of one spot of the shroud from rough sling handling. 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) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1359
Two Schwarzlose Machine Gun Belt Loading Tools - Both of the loaders in this lot are intended for use with the Schwarzlose M7 machine gun, in particular to transfer rounds from en bloc clips to cloth belts. In operation, a handle is worked back to advance the belt and use a steel probe to open up the next loop on the pull stroke, and insert a round on the push stroke. One of the loaders is loose. The other comes in an incomplete hardwood transport case. Both are marked “1918” on top. Some small parts are absent.
CONDITION: Both loaders are in very good condition, with about half of the paint finish present, showing a mixed patina on the frame and bright steel on the bearing surfaces.
The cased loader has chipping and damage to the handle, and the case itself is rough. Mechanically in very good condition
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250