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LOT 3694
Rare Limited Production Ohio Ordnance/Colt Model 1918 BAR Semi-Automatic Rifle with Case - Serial no. C1918- 00009, 30-06 cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured by Ohio Ordnance for Colt as a closed bolt semi-automatic replica of the Model 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle. This is one of a mere 200 rifles made in this special run,
COLLECTOR'S FACT
This Ohio Ordnance/Colt Model 1918 is one of only two hundred produced in a special production run.
with this example being the ninth one ever produced. The BAR,
adopted in 1918, would not find itself becoming the United
States Military icon it is today until World War II when it was issued
as a standard part of infantry squads. Due to its light weight when compared to other full power machine guns of the time, it was able to
be used by a single soldier, rather than the three or four for the 1919 machine gun. The BAR was an essential part of introducing the doctrine of walking fire into the military. The BAR would remain the standard light machine gun of the United States Armed Forces through the Korean
War, and would eventually be phased out in the 1950’s as the M14 was implemented to fill multiple roles in infantry units. The rifle would also find itself in the hands of criminals and lawmen during the crime rife gangland era of the 20s, finding itself as a true favorite of Clyde Barrow of the infamous duo Bonnie and Clyde. This rifle features a full high polish blue finish with nitre blue small parts as was commonly seen on early rifles. Fitted with an early style flash hider, blade front, and peep and ladder rear sights. The top of the receiver is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT./SELF LOADING RIFLE/MODEL 1918 CAL.
.30-06/S/N C1918-00009” ahead of the Rampant Colt. Fitted with a checkered forend and smooth walnut buttstock with blued steel buttplate. Includes certificate of authenticity from Colt and Ohio Ordnance, correct Colt case, an extra magazine, leather sling, and cleaning kit.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original
blue finish with minimal handling marks and crisp forearm checkering. Mechanically excellent. Case and accessories are excellent. These rare rifles don’t come up for sale often, let alone an early serial number like 00009, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to add one to your collection!
350 Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000