December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
This Spandau manufactured 1917 dated Maxim 08/15 machine gun retains its matching top cover, fusee cover. and buttstock. The barrel, feed block, and other parts are non-matching. Steam port cover is not present. Outstanding correct green painted original bipod assembly. Forward-most part of flash hider at muzzle has been partially shattered away, leaving a jagged point, but otherwise the muzzle assembly is serviceable. Lower feed arm is a reworked replacement as is often found on these guns, and the action moves smoothly, with rails recoiling appropriately and feed shuttle operating under fusee spring tension. Electronic NFA registry indicates “SPANDAU ARSENAL” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is very fine original blued finish turning a brown patina, particularly on the fusee cover and sideplates. Buttstock, albeit matching, is somewhat loose in its hardware socket and has some grain checks from age on left side near the receiver. There are 2" cracks on both sides of the buttstock about 2” above the toe, running parallel to the bore line. Still, a very attractive stock. There is light to moderate brown patina to the metal parts throughout. Bore is shiny. Lock exhibits a moderate brown patina yet remains serviceable with good spring tension. Mechanics are fine. This is a Full-Auto only machine gun. 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 classic WWI machine gun, and these guns are great fun to shoot at the range as well. With the addition of a replacement muzzle "bell" which are being reproduced, this would be a very fine representative specimen of an original WWI configuration German MG 08/15 Maxim. 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 2023-12-81