GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
BEAUTIFUL MARLIN-ROCKWELL MODEL 1918 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE (CURIO & RELIC)MARLIN-ROCKWELL1918 BAR255168.30-06MODERN; NFA; C&RCal. 30-06. 24" bbl. Fantastic original Model 1918 B.A.R. made just after the end of WW 1. Bbl date is 12-18 with appropriate "M" over flaming bomb ordnance marking. Receiver bears makers markings "BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE /U.S. MODEL OF 1918/MFD. BY. MARLIN-ROCKWELL CORP." followed by SN, and then, "PATENT APPLIED FOR". Marked "2Y" on underside of receiver, and a small eagle over a "50" proofmark on the left underside of the receiver below the trgger group detent pin. Screw-on flash hider not present. Includes two 20-rnd magazines. Rich brown checkered American walnut forend and buttstock. No protective ears on the forward edge of the trigger assembly make this specimen immediately recognizable. The Browning Automatic Rifle was developed and intended to provide "Walking Fire" for American Soldiers as they advanced on enemy positions. The butt was intended to fit into a specifically designed magazine carrying waist belt metal pocket. This specimen's condition attests that this particular gun never was subjected to this kind of use. Nor was it later retrofitted into Model 1918A2 configuration. Firing mechanism moves smoothly when operated by hand. This weapon appears fully functional. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval for transfer. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine to near excellent. Deep lustrous original blue finish on all metal parts with a few handling marks, and the inescapable detent pin rotation scratches. Top of bolt unlocking plate just to the rear of the manufacturers markings has a mottling of brown patina, as does rear sight ladder. Loss of finish to gray metal at high edges of rear sight protective ears. Magazines have typical grey finish loss and scuff marks from use. Checkered forend has a few damaged checks and some very light handling marks, but is very attractive. Buttstock has a blemish on the left side where the charging handle has rubbed as well as some very light handling marks. Quite a bit of figure to the wood, and very attractive. Bore is good to very good with strong rifling, mostly shiny, and some light pitting, mostly in the grooves. This is a great find for both the shooting enthusiast and the collector. Extremely handsome gun. 49296-9 JWK39 (20,000-30,000)