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LOT 1361
U.S. Ramo Model 1917A1 Browning Belt Fed Water Cooled Machine Gun, Class III/
NFA Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Tripod and Accessories - Serial no. 800109,
30 cal., 24 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, synthetic grips. One of John Browning’s many
contributions to small arms, the 1917 was the American answer to the Maxim-based water
cooled guns fielded by the British and Germans for World War One, capable of matching
them for volume of fire out in the trenches. The descendants of the 1917, including the air-
cooled 1918 and the .50 caliber M2, would be American mainstays for decades, the M2 in
particular still remaining a premier heavy machine gun. Blade front and folding ladder rear
sights, with the green painted steel water jacket enclosing the barrel, and a pair of smooth
grips. The right sideplate bears the Ramo address, model nomenclature, and “30” caliber
marking, with “7.62” engraved into the top of the “RIA” marked bolt. Installed on a green
painted tripod with “RIA” marked and “1941” dated data plate on the rear leg and integral
traverse and elevation mechanism. Included with the lot are several lengths of canvas cartridge
belt, a number of disintegrating metal belt links, belt loading machine with hardwood case, four
extra barrels, canvas extra barrel case, canvas and leather gun cover, and other parts.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus original parkerized finish, showing scattered
oxidation on most of the underside of the water jacket and on the barrel, verdigris
buildup on the brass endcaps, and minor handling marks overall. The tripod is in
fine condition overall, with some loss of paint and good movement in the T&E mechanism. Mechanically
excellent. The accessories are good or better overall. 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 479.
Estimate: 16,000 - 22,500
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