December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Smooth gray finish Harrington and Richardson Reising Model 50 machine gun with 14 fin barrel and compensator. Original leather military-style sling, 4 original 20-round magazines, and an original black trunk case are included with this lot. This gun fits the description a Marine Corps Pacific Theater Veteran related to this cataloger in the past about a Reising they carried during WWII, "It took 20-round mags, had a gray finish, and a leather sling". Close observation of the model markings on top of the receiver reveals the "0" in "Model 50" is a hand struck over-stamp. One can only conjecture as to why this is. Front of wood below compensator bears the stamp "19", possibly a rack number. The Reising Model 50 is a high-quality machine gun which was fielded in limited numbers to the Marine Corps during WWII. Firing from a closed bolt gave an advantage to the firer over the Thompson, which fires from an open bolt. Police departments took to the Reising, and a semi-automatic model was also produced in response to civilian private factory security demands. Collectors have often asked this cataloger to find a Reising which has WWII pacific theater provenance; this specimen is correctly configured as such. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original smooth gray finish on gun and magazines, with gray patina on the buttplate. The wood on this gun is exceptionally attractive with only some slight handling marks. It certainly never made it into combat. Never sanded, nor refinished. One can feel the grain with one's fingertips. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Bolt face also extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun. Original trunk case is extremely fine to near excellent with black canvas over wood lining. Soft pads are starting to crack. Leather handle is original and serviceable. An exceedingly desirable specimen which presents very well indeed. 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 2023-12-64
Manufacturer
Harrington and Richardson