October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Marlin manufactured and Numrich Arms Company registered, this M2 submachine gun was the model which came in between the M1A1 Thompson and the M3 Grease gun. The massive receiver is marked with serial number, model “SUBMACHINE GUN CAL .45 M2”, and “MARLIN FIREARMS COMPANY” followed by company address. One can see that this model was an attempt to simplify the manufacturing processes of a milled steel submachine gun, and utilized features found on other U.S. manufactured guns of the period. It has a bolt very much like the M1A1 Thompson with a fixed firing pin, an upper handguard and front sight much like those of the M1 carbine, and a magazine well that is somewhat reminiscent of the Harrington and Richardson Model 50, but is one casting integral to the receiver/handgrip assembly, with a one piece wooden grip that bolts into the frame from the bottom. The safety is a simple flip switch on left side of the trigger housing and the selector is also a simple flip switch. Sling swivels on the left side are simple fixed metal stampings. Includes two standard 30 round Thompson magazines. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original lustrous blue finish with a duller finish on the receiver/handgrip assembly. Wood is extremely fine to near excellent with a small chip out of the left forward edge of the handguard and a corresponding tiny crack on the right forward edge of the handguard forward of the retention band. Wood has been sanded and professionally refinished. There is a diagonal bruise on left side above handgrip and otherwise the wood has light handling marks. There is a little loss of finish to the forward band exposing a gray patina as well as just a hint of loss on the sight ears. Mechanics are crisp. Bore is extremely fine shiny and bright. Bolt is extremely fine. This is a select-fire machine gun. It is worth noting that although this cataloger has no verification, this gun was probably part of Auto Ordnances inventory when they were taken over by Numrich Arms Company, and hence this is how this gun came to be registered as it is. This is an example of an important step of the evolution of the American military submachine gun with an interesting combination of familiar features. Consignor states it is a fun gun to shoot as well. 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 & RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2019-10-214
Manufacturer
Marlin / Numrich Arms Co