November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022
Absolutely fabulous German WWI DWM manufactured MG-08 Maxim on original “1918” dated “Durkopp” manufactured sled mount. Accessories include an original front armor plate at the front of the water jacket and a reproduction armor plate which goes on the water jacket. There is also a reproduction vertical shaft to raise the gun into an anti-aircraft role. 2 spare non-matching locks are in the receptacles in the sled mount, as well as cartridge tongs, and broken case extractor with “jag” pattern. An original 250 round brass tabbed cloth belt is also included with this lot. All visible numbers are matching where appropriate on this gun, including the barrels (6911d), lock (6911 over a “2” indicating 2nd lock supplied with this gun), feed block with its matching internal parts, water jacket, top cover with all matching numbers, backplate with oil caps, locking plates at either side of the charging handle, and even the rear optic sight bracket (46911 on left side). Very unusual to find an MG-08 as matching as this one. This gun retains the chain and hardware for the cork at the front of the water jacket as well as the drain lever and flanged steam hose fitting. Even remnants of the hard rubber “cork” remain present in the steam port. Original matching number “11” muzzle bearing for this gun is within one of the sled mount boxes. The muzzle booster on this gun, although original, probably was added later to enhance this piece as an attractive display. The fusee cover is plain and unnumbered. Water jacket retains its original gray paint primer as does the top strap assembly. This indicates to this cataloger that this is indeed an unmolested “depot gun”. These guns, called “depot guns” by collectors, are guns which were delivered in 1918 to German supply depots with the intention that they would be replacements for damaged/destroyed guns as needed. When the armistice went into effect on 11/11/1918 these gun remained in place and many became war spoils, and were brought back to the United States. All such guns are in the mid-40-thousand serial number range. These guns are greatly prized by WWI military collectors as they generally remain in “unissued” condition. Electronic NFA registry indicates “Germany” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent original deep blue finish with original paint on the water jacket showing some scuffs and scratches to bare metal in places. Water fill cap in near mint condition. Front armor piece retains original paint which is flaking away to reveal a brown patina in places. Reproduction water jacket armor retains much of its camouflage paint. Original “flash” disk at the muzzle assembly also lost some finish to patina in places. The muzzle assembly of this gun has been refinished and the “piston” insert is not present. Top strap of sled and sled itself retain nearly all of their original painted finish with attractive original “Durkopp” triangular manufacturer’s tag still present on right side of sled mount. Pads of sled mount retain their original canvas covering over horsehair with some wear to reveal the horsehair. Wood handles of backplate are very fine condition with some grain checks from age with near excellent checkering. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Lock face is also near excellent. Gun mechanics are extremely fine, and action moves smoothly when manually pulled back against fusee spring tension. This is a full-auto only machine gun. This is among the finest, if not the finest, original matching specimen of this model on original unmolested sled mount this cataloger has ever seen. A fabulous opportunity for the advanced collector. Even someone who thought they had a fine specimen might want to consider upgrading by getting this one. How many truly righteously matching MG-08 Maxim guns, including locks and barrels, are out there? 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 2022-11-59
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.