April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
1 of only 500 T48 (FAL) rifles produced domestically within the United States for the mid 1950s military test trials, which sought to find a suitable replacement for the M1 Garand. Ultimately losing favor to the T44E4 (M14) battle rifle, Fabrique Nationale's FAL line of rifles was adopted by numerous countries after the conclusion of World War II, and continues to see remarkable success today both in the military and commercial markets. This example is stamped "RIFLE CAL .30 T48" above the serial number "4273" on the left side of the receiver, with "HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON INC , WORCHESTER, MASS." stamped on the right. Selector switch is marked "S", "R", and "A". Left side of buttstock bears a U.S. Department of Defense cartouche towards the front. "P" factory proof is present on the receiver, bolt carrier, as well as the bolt. Interior of lower receiver assembly is stamped "160", with the interior of bolt carrier being stamped "127". Magazine is stamped "HRA" on the spine. Metal components exhibit a gray parkerized finish, with the forend, carry handle, pistol grip, and buttstock being comprised of solid wood. This example is accompanied by an original period box, stamped with a boxed "DO NOT DESTROY THIS BOX/ SAVE FOR REUSE/ 2-RIFLE, CAL. 30, T48" on the lid, and containing its original factory wax wrap paper, original T48 manual, 1 clip/magazine charger, as well as 2 original magazines that are still wrapped in their "mummified" wax paper wrapping. CONDITION: Excellent, with metal components retaining the vast majority of their original factory applied parkerized finish, exhibiting some mild wear from handling that shows through to very light silvering. Brilliant mirror bore, exhibiting sharp, well defined lands and grooves throughout. Wood furniture is extremely fine, exhibiting a few very light marks and very minor impressions. An exceptional example of an extremely desirable U.S. military test trials T48 machine gun, that is seldom encountered outside of private collections. 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.
Accessories
Box, 2 Spare mummified magazines, Magazine charger
Caliber/Bore
7.62x51mm NATO
Manufacturer
Harrington & Richardson
Paperwork
Original T48 Manual