May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
This Maxim was registered by Clements Firearms LLC and they incorporated the original manufacturer’s serial number into the number they registered this gun under. Interestingly, it appears that some unknown person in the past really wanted a “Spandau” marked MG-08, because the top cover, although having production date which could only be DWM, indicates, “Spandau”. The fusee cover is also marked “Spandau”, and dated 1916. Since this gun is a “remanufacture” and refinished in a gray matte finish, I will let the observer deduce and reach their own conclusions as to what the history of this gun might be. This all aside, the visible numbers match with the exception of the lock and barrel. Muzzle booster is missing the cone, however the body is present. Nice steam hose attachment fixture present. Fusee cover is unnumbered. No drain valve assembly at front of water jacket. Thumb pieces not present on water fill cap. Sled mount (#13855) with reproduction top trunnion strap is included with this lot. Sled has been rebuilt with some contemporary bolts and nuts, and is missing the traverse lock and traverse lock stops. However, the gun will sit fine on the sled for display and everything one needs to complete it can either be purchased of fabricated if need be. Maxim sled mounts in any state able to display a gun are in very high demand. Electronic NFA registry indicates “CLEMENTS FIREARMS LLC” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine matte gray refinish on all metal parts with some dings to the water jacket. Lower spade handle retention pin tip has been broken off, yet is still firmly serviceable. Upper spade handle retention pin is missing the leaf spring at the left tip, and again, is yet still firmly serviceable. Wood spade handles are fine with a crack running about 4” from the top down at the front of the left grip. And the left handle frame is bent slightly inward. This is not an uncommon problem, and can be remedied by a competent gunsmith. Bore has shiny and bright rifling, lightly frosted in the grooves. Lock (4636) is near excellent and exhibits both “C” and “B” suffixes. Gun mechanics are crisp and positive, and action moves smoothly when operated by hand. This is a full-auto-only machine gun. Sled mount elevation gear operates smoothly. The Maxim MG-08 is one of the most recognizable weapons of World War I. In recent years there have been very successful conversions of the MG-08 to fire 7.62 Russian ammunition, and registered, fully transferable sideplates are in high demand, regardless of whether they are attached to guns or not. 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. JWK 2024-05-020
CORRECTION: Barrel length corrected to 28".
Manufacturer
Clements Firearms LLC