GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
FANTASTIC SPANDAU MFG MAXIM 08/15 MACHINE GUN FORMERLY OWNED BY VAL FORGETT (FULLY TRANSFERABLE).GERMAN08/155940A8 MMMODERN; NFACal. 8mm. 32-1/2" bbl with flash hider. Nearly all matching Spandau manufactured Maxim 08/15 machine gun as manufactured in 1917 and later taken into service during the Wiemar German era. This impressive 08/15 has all externally matching numbers to include when the top cover is raised, one sees matching numbered upper actuator arm, bolt, cross-head, top cover latch and fuzee cover. The only non-matching parts are visible with feed block removed are the lower feed arm, the bbl, and the drum hanger. An attractive reproduction leather sling is attached to this gun also has matching SN steam hose cover and water fill cap with intact Bakelite panels. Upon close inspection barely discernible "10" is on metal of filler cap. Buttstock matches receiver SN. Orig assault drum with steel tabbed cloth belt is included with this lot, as is an orig "Feldgrau" bi-pod assembly. Although gun appears to be all original, the current E-file registration form indicates this gun was registered on a form 2. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval prior to transfer. This weapon is fully transferable on an ATF form 3 or form 4. PROVENANCE: Consignor states that he purchased this machine gun from Val Forgett, a prominent member of the Firearms collecting community. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine to very fine, with over 90% lustrous blue orig finish on metal parts exclusive of the fuzee cover which has turned a brown patina with a mottled appearance and a more gray patina particularly at the high edges. Water jacket also retains over 90% of its lustrous blue orig finish thinning and turning a gray patina at the high edges with a slight dent to the water jacket about mid-way to the muzzle with a couple other little dings. Attractive wooden buttstock has some handling marks and dings, but completely serviceable. Assault drum in orig paint with some slight surface corrosion in places, with re-painted spool, belt is a shortened 250 rnd steel tabbed cloth belt, appears serviceable. Bi-pod is very fine with orig German field gray paint. Mechanics are fine. Bore has strong rifling, shiny lands, dark in the grooves. Sling is strong and serviceable. It would be pretty difficult to find a more desirable specimen of a Maxim 08/15, the condition, matching parts, and history makes it one of the best of its kind. 53171-25 JWK (7,500-12,500)