October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Absolutely fantastic Harrington & Richardson M14 machine gun with “X” prefix serial number, beautiful wooden stock with brown composite handguard, and with spare original experimental short barrel, cylinder, and forend cap. Also included is an exceptionally rare experimental “swing-out” folding stock which is fitted with hardware for a forward pistol grip. Also included is a Beretta BM-59 stock fitted with a wooden handgrip. Also included is a copy of a letter written by a Veteran which attests that the folding stock with vertical pistol grip was indeed experimented with and tested by the U.S. Military. Consignor states this was a de-accessed museum gun from the H & R Museum. This very gun is featured in Frank Iammancio's book on the M14 rifle. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original gray non-reflective finish on metal parts with some slight loss of finish at the high edges of the flip-up buttplate, Magazine retains nearly all of it original finish and displays very well with this gun. Buttstock #1 with slotted hardware for detachable and adjustable vertical grip is extremely fine with smooth gray finish consistent with military finish of the period. Wood is extremely fine with some light handling marks with added hardware boss and recessed spaces on both sides for when shoulder loop is in folded position. Stock was inletted then filled forward of vertical grip hardware apparently incidental to finding an appropriate position for the hardward. Buttstock #2 is more familiar side swing-out shoulder loop with no provision on the stock for vertical grip. Butt has a catch which will allow shoulder piece to pivot upwards and to the rear, out-of-the-way when folder. Very interesting !! Hardware again is finished consistent with military finishes of the period. There is a semi-circular bruising to the left side of the forward portion of the stock above the sling swivel. All three stocks are strong and serviceable and display very well. Bore and bolt are near excellent. Bolt drawing number 7790186 and marked “HRT A16 BIH”. Mechanics are crisp. Even if one were to set aside the two folding stocks, this is about the nicest M-14 to come along for public offering in years !! An opportunity not to be missed by the U.S. Military rifle collector. 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 18-105
Accessories
Stocks, barrel
Manufacturer
Harrington & Richardson