December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
There can be no doubt that this is a Curio & Relic eligible Colt AR-15 machine gun, just as there is not doubt that it passed through the hands of President John F. Kennedy as well as other notable officials in Washington DC in the early 1960s. This gun was manufactured and specially serialized by Colt for presentation to Army Chief of Staff Earl G. Wheeler, who was instrumental in the adoption of the forward assist feature onto the AR-15. All the early 60s telltale features are present on this rifle. From the early style birdcage flash hider to the composition of the furnishings, and the design of the sling swivels and rounded butt-plate, one could determine the vintage of this gun from these features alone. Note also the “PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVT.” and “XM 16 E1” markings on the left side of the receiver. Electronic NFA registry indicates “COLT” as the manufacturer. Accompanied by a hardwood display rack with brass presentation plaque reading "XM16E1 / PRESENTED TO / UNITED STATES ARMY / GENERAL EARLE G. WHEELER / CHIEF OF STAFF / COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. , INC.". CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent original factory finish with gold plating on receiver and barrel, with highly polished composite furnishings. Bolt is an attractive silver finish (like armaloy). Trigger, foldout portion of trigger guard, forward assist button, charging handle, rear sight, selector, magazine catch, bolt hold open, ejection port cover, and flash hider have a black polished finish. This accents the dull gold finished parts of this machine gun. One can detect upon close inspection some brassing to the gold finish where the selector rotates and some slight marks only discernible upon closest inspection otherwise. The action is very smooth. This weapon has been well cared for. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt face near excellent. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select fire machine gun. A unique piece, and worthy of the most discerning and advanced collector who desire a gun which exhibits early manufacturing materials and style, as well as a piece that passed through the hands of political and military icons of the early 1960s. 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 2024-12-18.