May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
This Colt manufactured Maxim model 1904 has matching feed block (156A) and lock (156B). Top cover retains its original attractive bronze patent number data plate with matching number 156. The large muzzle booster diameter, brass backplate, and fusee cover are immediately distinctive features of this machine gun. Original chains for drain cap and water fill cap are present albeit only about half the rear chain is present. This cataloger knows of a restorative specialist which can perfectly reproduce these chain links if desired. Backplate retention bolt is non-original. No drain cork or chain present. Rear sight has a peep sight aperture adjustable for both elevation and windage. Front sight post has protected sheet metal cover. Brass fusee cover is devoid of markings except for adjustment index marks. No tripod present with this gun. Lower backplate retention pin is a non-original replacement. Electronic NFA Registry indicates “UNKNOWN” as the manufacturer, and “1904” as the model. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine to extremely fine combination of original finish with some very old refinish on certain parts, with some very old pitting visible on the muzzle cup inside the booster. There is old pitting on the rear sight body, as well as on the recoil plates, left rail and left side of the top of the lock inside the receiver. This is not visibly unless the top cover is lifted, and it does not interfere with the smooth action of the internals when they are operated by hand. There is a pleasing combination of thinning finish, brown patina, with some very light pitting on the smooth and undented water jacket. Overall the exterior finish of this gun is very fine and presentable. Especially considering how few of this model remain. Brass surfaces retain a pleasing, even patina. Bore is extremely fine, shiny, with some very slight pitting in place with some dark spots. Bolt face is fine with some brown patina. Mechanics are fine with smooth action. This is a full-auto only machine gun. These early U.S. Maxim guns are extremely attractive and exceptional display pieces. There are only very few that remain, and they hold a very special place in the heart of the advanced early machine gun, and maxim collectors. These guns will fit on standard Vickers tripods, as well as Colt commercial, and Browning 1917, 1917A1, or 1918 tripods, in addition to their own. See the Swiss MG-11 tripod with adapters offered in this same auction for an excellent shooting platform for this gun. This cataloger can put the winning bidder in touch with an advanced collector who has an original tripod for this gun. 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 2025-05-081.
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield
