October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
Vickers water cooled machine gun in its short, fluted jacket configuration for export to Argentina to be used on a motorcycle mount. Marked on top of feed shuttle cover “VICKERS LTD LONDON”. Overall gun is liberally marked with “VSM” (Vickers Sons Maxim). All visible numbers appear to be matching. Feed shuttle is marked “8”/”V 7.65 M/M”. Cross bolt is marked “VSM/8”. Bolt is also marked “8 VSM” / “7.65 M/M”. Backplate is also marked “VSM”. Bottom of right sideplate is marked “JPL T AZ85653”, which indicates that at one time this arm was in the possession of Pat Tomlinson a noted firearms enthusiast in Arizona and close personal friend of Dolf Goldsmith. NFA registry indicates reactivated by “Ironworks Mfg LLC” in the manufacturers block. Muzzle booster is of the armored type. Original brass chains and cork retaining hardware present. Cork itself is not present which in an easy replacement. Included is standard Mark IV Vickers ground tripod. PROVENANCE: Formerly in the personal collection of Dolf Goldsmith and featured in his published book as well as in the collection of class III weapons formerly on loan to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is excellent. Over 95% lustrous blue commercial refinish with some loss of finish at high points with some areas of slight pitting. Water jacket has heavy coating of black enamel with a couple noticeable runs in paint. Brass filler and drain screw have a pleasing patina. Muzzle booster is in very clean condition and numbered to gun. Wooden handles are in extremely fine condition with only the slightest of handling marks. Brushes marked “VSM” are present and serviceable. Mechanics are crisp Bore has worn rifling with some darkness in grooves. Bolt face is excellent. Tripod has been repainted in a bright green on lower half, cradle retains 80% of its original olive drab green paint over brass with retaining pins and chains present. This is a real treasure to the discerning Vickers collector, lighter than most water cooled Vickers and a relatively straightforward conversion to 30-06 or .308 as well as being an outstanding display piece. 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 & RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2019-10-197.
Caliber/Bore
7.65 x 53mm Argentine Mauser