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The weapons saw action with British forces in a few African
wars in Sudan and the Upper Nile. Serial number “20” stamped
on the receiver, receiver cover, and a few internal components.
“45” stamped on the front surface between the barrels. A blade
front sight is mounted on the left side of the barrel jacket, with
an elevation adjustable rear sight mounted on the left of the
receiver. The left of the receiver features a selector switch that
allows a safe mode to be able to cycle the weapon without
tripping the firing pin. “AB” punch dotted on the top cover.
Fitted on an original tripod, and includes one professionally
made modern reproduction magazine and a modern wooden
transport case.
CONDITION: Fine, with bright golden patina on the brass,
some dings and handling marks. Professionally made modern
reproduction rear sight, barrels and magazine. Mechanically
excellent. Tripod is very good with some scattered gray patina
and mild pitting on the iron legs, and brown golden patina
on the brass. As a rare surviving example of 19th century
American innovation, the Gardner gun is an important piece
in the evolutionary development of the machine gun, and
is missing from even the most advanced public and private
collections.
Estimate: 85,000 - 140,000