April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Extremely fine and attractive example of the Australian L1A1A machine gun as registered by John Benjamin. The FAL and its variants entered into service with the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth country's militaries from the mid-1950s until the mid-1990s. This L1A1A, being originally manufactured in Australia at the Lithgow arsenal, features the design changes which were developed to adapt the L1A1 to be capable of fully automatic fire, and to fill the role of a squad fully automatic weapon, in the manner of the Bren and B.A.R. machine guns. Features include parkerized finish, a 21" heavy barrel, flip-up aperture rear sight, composite carrying handle, folding charging handle, standard L1A1 muzzle brake, bayonet lug, and a unique bipod with wood slats on either leg, functioning both as a bipod and a handguard. The left side of the receiver is stamped "RIFLE 7.62MM L1.A1. A". Selector is marked "S" and "R", with the third position being unmarked. Right side of receiver is marked "S.A.F. 850187JCB" above "AUSTRALIA". Australian Commonwealth proofs are visible on the left side of the trigger assembly, bottom of receiver, and the bottom of the barrel. Bolt is marked "D G", with the bolt carrier bearing an Australian proof. Buttstock, grip, and bipod slats are comprised of wood. Receiver serial number is the only visible serial number, with the exception of the right side of the lower trigger assembly which bears its original serial number. This example is accompanied by two additional 20 round magazines. Butt trap cleaning kit is not present. CONDITION: Overall extremely fine with metal components retain bountiful amounts of their reapplied parkerized finish, exhibiting few minor areas of wear handling marks that show through to silvering. Lower trigger assembly, locking shoulder, carrying handle, and gas tube finish is lighter than the other components, likely being refinished at the arsenal. Mirror bore, with well-defined lands and grooves throughout. Bolt is clean, retaining an excellent bolt face which shows little sign of use. Wood furniture is very good as refinished, showing some small scattered dings and handling marks. Grip shows a crack on the right side, as well as some minor losses on the edges to either side. Magazines are very good, showing few minor superficial handling marks. This is a select-fire machine gun. The FAL and its variants saw widespread military use in over 90 countries for over three decades, owing to its well-earned reputation as a highly effective and reliable battle rifle. Fully transferable Australian military machine guns are seldom encountered, making this a fine and desirable example of an Australian L1A1A machine gun. 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. -MLW-
Accessories
Three magazines total
Caliber/Bore
.308 Winchester
Manufacturer
John Benjamin