GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE ST. ETIENNE MACHINE GUN M1907 CAL. 8MM (C&R). FRANCE 1907 ST ETIENNE 932 8MM MODERN; NFA; C&R Cal. 8mm Lebel. Mfg. in France by Mitrailleuse Chatellerault, 1910. 31" bbl. Complete with orig omnibus high-mount with adjustable elevation mechanism and rear seat. Brass rear pistol grip and brass block in elevation mechanism of tripod. This gun includes the exceedingly rare armored muzzle, often referred to as the "Cowcatcher". External SN's match. Left side receiver bracket not present. Action is very stiff. Tripod mounting appears to be in good working order. This gun is also accompanied by one 25 round feed strip. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval for transfer. This item is fully transferable on an ATF form 3 or 4 as Curio & Relic eligible. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish good with an even brown patina over light pitting throughout, pleasing patina on bronze and brass parts. Significant pitting on the outside of bbl. Recoil spring is clean and in fine condition. Bolt lines are crisp, face in good condition though shows some signs of going dark. Mechanics are functional. Bore is very good with strong rifling. Tripod retains about 30% of gray paint over red oxide primer, remainder showing a brown patina, Tripod Adjustments are stiff, but traverse smoothly and seems to be fully functional. Overall, though the exterior of this gun shows some use and exposure to the weather, the internals and the bbl seem to be in fine condition. A good example of a very interestingly designed WWI Machine gun. It is as if someone were to say to Rube Goldberg, "I want you to design a Machine gun that performs like a Hotchkiss but is not infringing on the patents of the Hotchkiss. 52517-1 JWK87 (18,000-28,000)