December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2021
Designed by Louis Scmeisser (father of the more widely known Hugo Schmeisser) the MG-15nA was adopted by the German military in 1915 to meet the requirements for more machine guns on the frontlines. Being substantially lighter than the MG 08/15 due to its lack of a water jacket, the MG-15nA relied on air cooling which paired with an impressive rate of fire for the time, limited its versatility in combat, and thus never seeing the widespread usage as that of its contemporaries. Finding usage as an aircraft machine gun, the MG-15nA was considered a generally reliable machine gun that was utilized until the Treaty of Versailles, which ultimately concluded its manufacture. This example's receiver was cut into 3 pieces and was later welded back together. Additionally, the bolt face was welded into chamber, negating any possible usage. The right side of the receiver cover is stamped "1917/ BERGMANN'S JNDUSTRIEWERKE/ ABT. WAFFENBAU, SUHL", with the top reading "L.M.G.15./ n.A". Right side of trigger assembly and top of stock assembly & charging handle are stamped "L.M.G.15.n.A". Top of charging handle and top of barrel bear Imperial German Reichsadler stamps. Most numbers are matching, with several components being mismatched. Stock retains its oiler brush. This example is accompanied by a WWII period German ammo can containing a small section of an MG-34/MG-42 belt. CONDITION: Metal components retain large amounts of their blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning showing through to brown patina, as well as areas of discoloration from time of welding. Left grip panel bears a sizeable crack at the rear, with a large loss at the front. Stock bears scattered handling marks, as well as a crack on the left side that has been repaired with brass pins, but otherwise appears to be sturdy and serviceable. Ammo can is missing its latch and shows oxidation all around. A nice example of a rarely seen World War I machine gun, that will make for a fine addition to one's display. MLW