May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
This Spandau manufactured 1918 dated Maxim 08/15 machine gun retains its matching numbered drum hanger and barrel. Visible parts are matching albeit the steam port cover at the rear of the water jacket is unnumbered. The condition of the muzzle booster indicates that this unnumbered part also was likely a replaced part and not indigenous to this particular gun. But it is, without a doubt, a correct original booster appropriate for this gun. Lower feed arm is a reworked replacement as is often found on these guns. Unfortunately, the “Wanderer” manufactured lock “5713” with renumber “3558” is non-matching. Electronic NFA registry indicates “GERMANY” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine original finish with about 80% original blued finish on water jacket and metal parts, exclusive of the bipod and steam port cover which retain about 85% of their original paint. There is moderate light pitting and brown patina to the metal parts throughout, with somewhat more pitting on the muzzle booster. Wood thumbpieces on water fill cap not present. Fusee cover has a couple dings and somewhat more brown patina than the rest of this gun. Wood is very fine with some slight handling marks and dings. Bore is extremely fine, shiny, and bright. Lock has been renumbered multiple times. Mechanics are fine, and action moves smoothly when manually pulled back against fusee spring tension. The 08/15 Maxim was the German “light” machine gun of World War I and remained in service throughout the Weimar era of the 1920s and 1930s eventually becoming a rear echelon weapon through the end of World War II. This is a fine example of a World War I configuration German Maxim, and these guns are great fun to shoot at the range 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 AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2022-3-31