May 12-14, 2026 Firearms & Militaria

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Bidding

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/12/2026

Among the rarest, most sought after, and most attractive of the many variations of the Maxim machine guns are the early guns manufactured with brass jackets. These guns exemplify the highest order of pride and quality of hand-fitted machine guns from the late 19th and early 20th Century. Very soon, in an ever-progressing effort to lighten machine guns in order to make them more portable, the use of brass parts gave way to steel. The older brass guns remained in service for a time, but inevitably, especially during the World War II, these brass guns were scrapped as obsolete, as brass was in high demand. This is an early Russian Model 1905 Maxim. A rare gun among rare guns. One can immediately note the scalloped surfaces at the rear of the water jacket as a telltale different from the later 1910 model. This specimen retains an original albeit non-matching brass fusee cover (SN #2812). This cover bears the Russian imperial eagle and is dated 1910. The brass feedblock with wooden roller is numbered "156". The brass backplate handles are numbered "102", and the water jacket "H 8840". The top cover exhibits no number, but one can see it came from another early gun as it as a slot in the top for the earlier tall sight to fit into when it was folded forward. These tall sights were replaced or shortened to accommodate the use of improved ammunition as it was fielded. There is a steel muzzle cover with retention chain at the forward end on the jacket. The lower retention pin at the backplate is of the later style “T” handle type which also serves as a broken case extractor. The lock and barrel are unnumbered and of later vintage as are the recoil plates, crosshead, and charging handle. Included with this lot is a highly sought Sokolov mount with articulating legs which fold down to raise the profile of this gun. A very handy feature for the recreational machine gun shooter. The even rarer steel wheel for the rear of this mount is also included as well as a unmarked steel ammo can with leather carrying handle and a steel Russian belt. The registration number is visible on both the right and left sideplates. Electronic NFA registry indicates "GERMANY" in the manufacturer’s block. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine with both sideplates thinning to a gray patina particularly closer to the water jacket. Top cover and charging handle also thinning to a smooth gray patina. Very handsome brass parts exhibit a dull patina, with a mottling of spots and some nicks. Muzzle is in very clean condition. Bore is extremely fine to near excellent, shiny and bright. Lock face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. Mount retains a high percentage of its green painted finish. This Maxim is rare among the rare. No early Maxim collection will be complete without a brass Russian Maxim. Before the outbreak of World War I, the Russians already had far more Maxims than any other country at that time. Very few remain, and even fewer are in the United States. 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 2026-05-22.

This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.

Bidding Current Bidding Minimum Bid: $15,000.00 Final prices include buyers premium: $58,800.00 Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000 Number Bids: 20	Auction closed on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

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