September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Highly popular and sought after M3 “Grease Gun” as manufactured by Guide Lamp for use during WWII. This specimen is covered with vintage black paint, as was common practice by the British when they received these through the Lend-Lease program. Accessories include seven original 30-round magazines, one green (1960s vintage) canvas 3 cell pouch, and one “U.S.M.C.” and “R.M. CO. / NO – 45412 / 1944” marked 3 cell original web pouch. Typical “Guide” on left side of magazine housing with crossed cannons arsenal marking. Typical Guide Lamp markings on underside of trigger guard “B 301456-4 / B. G. R. -GL” and on action housing “G.L. C153432”. It is interesting to note that this particular specimen was field retrofitted with a U-shaped steel bar welded to the left side of the receiver to protect the unintentional release of the magazine. The early M3 guns had no such "fence" to prevent the magazine release from being depressed accidentally while the gun was being carried or set down. This cataloger has seen such field modifications before, as well as later factory produced, “fences” over the magazine catch on later specimens. The M3 cocks via the firer opening the ejection port cover, then actuating a lever on the left side of the receiver to withdraw the bolt to the rear. The M3 was a contemporary successor to the Thompson machine gun during WWII as a less costly and more rapidly produced machine gun. Electronic NFA Registry indicates "GENERAL MOTORS" as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original black enamel finish showing wear to a gray, and sometimes brown patina in places. Magazines are extremely fine to near excellent lustrous blue finish. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp and positive. This is a full-auto only machine gun. The Grease gun is a highly sought collectors item for both WWII and shooting enthusiasts. It enjoyed a great boost in popularity after being utilized by actor Lee Marvin playing Major Reisman in the 1967 film, “The Dirty Dozen”. This is an exceptionally attractive piece from the WWII era, and if you ever wanted one of these, you cannot go wrong with this one. 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 2024-09-032.
Accessories
2 Magazine Pouches, with 7 mags total