September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Simply marked "MADSEN M.G." over German "Flieger" stock number "2006000" above serial number and Luftwaffe eagle; this is the ONLY specimen of this kind this cataloger has ever encountered. Visible external numbers match. Luftwaffe eagle marked bolt is matching serial number "2742-1" (also matching), indicating multiple bolts were issued with this model. Clearly, a great deal of manufacturing effort went into adapting the basic Madsen design from a curved box magazine-fed machine gun into a belt-fed machine gun designed for use in aircraft. Note how this specimen is fitted with MG-15 sights, with the spider web sight at the front, and the barrel shroud has mounting collars similar to those of the MG-34 near the muzzle as well as near the chamber (just like on the MG-34). Removable muzzle reveals it is a conical booster with a larger-than-expected diameter aperture and a round cylinder spacer which bears on the front of the barrel in the same way as the German MG-34 machine gun. The barrel and barrel extension assembly travels to the rear under spring tension under recoil. This actuates the feed mechanism, which feeds a standard 8mm Mauser cartridge on a Browning style disintegrating link belt within a proprietary magazine box into the feedway. The metal links are then forced upward over and around the top of the receiver in a chute, which channels them into a sheet metal and fabric bag which catches both the expended brass and the links. An incredibly ingenious and typically German "over-engineered" system designed to keep troublesome links and brass from being a nuisance in aircraft. Other noteworthy features include an enlarged safety lever on the left side (to accommodate a gloved hand) and an adjustable tubular steel buttstock. Consignor has included 24 belt boxes with this gun as well as the links/brass catching bag. Of these belt boxes, three are filled with 95 rounds each of 8mm Portuguese non-corrosive ammunition linked on the correct links for this gun. Also included are 2 cardboard boxes, each measuring 6" x 6 - 1/4" x 6- 1/2" with links for this machine gun. NFA Electronic Registry indicates "Madsen" in the manufacturer's block and "LMG" as the model. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original black enamel finish throughout, with some loss of finish to a gray patina at the mounting points, the belt box attachment points, and the internal feed parts that advance the belts. Wood of handgrip is extremely fine with some light handling marks. Leather of shoulder loop is extremely fine and serviceable. There is ample evidence that this gun runs, and it runs well, based upon the firing residue at and in the muzzle. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt and bolt face is near excellent. Mechanics are crisp. This is a full-auto only machine gun. As a WWII German Luftwaffe collector's piece, this must be among the rarest and most desirable. The ingenuity of the design, quality of manufacture, condition, as well as having the belt boxes, links, and specialized expended links/brass catching bag all make this an absolutely incredible piece. Suitable for the most advanced, discerning, and forward-thinking collector/investor/machine gun enthusiast. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2023-9-40.
CORRECTION: There were some magazines and Italian Breda charger loaders erroneously included in the final photo posted online with this lot. These items were not, and are not mentioned in the written description for this lot, and are not included with this lot. Please refer to the written description of this lot to see exactly what is included.
Accessories
24 Belt boxes, Steel ammo can