April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This MG 08/15 was manufactured in 1918 by Rheinische Maschinen & Metallwaren Fabrik, and all visible parts appear to be matching, including drum hanger and barrel, with exception of the lock which is a renumber to 5162 from 1665. This example includes one drum magazine, and a late style 1918 bipod which, although made for the 13mm Mauser anti-tank rifle, also fits this machine gun. Muzzle and steam plug present. Flat thumb-piece not present on water fill nut. Top cover is marked “5023” / “M.G.08/15” / “Rh.M.&M.F.” / “SOMMERDA.” / “1918.”. PROVENANCE: The class III weapons formerly on loan to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is very good to fine with about 50% finish mostly turning to a brown patina with some thinning on fusee cover as well as light to moderate pitting on right side plate exposing bare metal. Booster piston does not move freely in booster and there is green verdigris visible inside and a couple slight dings in cone. Water jacket has several light dings and some scratches, one significant ding at 3 o’clock position about the size of a nickel but this does not detract in any significant way. 1/2 inch gouge at very front of fusee cover as well as numerous small dings and dents in fusee cover. Steam hose attachment retains 60% of its olive green paint with one of the attachment ears bent inward against the steam release tube; with careful heating this can be straightened. Steel retention chain to drain cover ring is present. Handgrip has some scarring to left side with loss to checkering as well as some chips and gouges but is it still complete and serviceable. Wooden buttstock, which is matching numbered to gun, has 4 inch crack at center running horizontally. Stock cartouche “PF” within a diamond. Bore is excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt face is likewise excellent. Mechanics are crisp. Maxim guns which retain their original matching barrels are seldom encountered. This is a good example as brought back from WWI and will make a fine addition to any machine gun collection. 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
bipod, drum magazine