October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
When developing the M60 machine gun, the T161 was the first to resemble what would ultimately become the M60. In the post-War scramble to develop a machine gun that could replace the M1919 and 1918, the United States was looking for a machine gun with could rival the MG42 and FG42 fielded by German troops during the war. They started by reverse engineering the MG42 and FG42 before adding on desired characteristics, such as a barrel change system and a rechambering in 7.62x51mm NATO amongst others, with the ultimate result being the T161, which was eventually adopted as the M60 in 1957. This T161 was one of the experimental rifles used during testing, exemplified by the "EXP21" serial number, which is listed as the lowest number in the ATF Curio and Relic NFA registry, and the "MACHINE GUN / 7.62MM: T161 / U.S. PROPERTY" stamp on top of trunnion. Bottom of the receiver "US GOVERNMENT PROP". It features the M60 style flash hider, blade front sight on post, slot-ventilated heat shield, ribbed plastic forearm, carry handle, flip up ladder rear sight, belt fed system, and plastic furniture. Proper U.S. part numbers stamped on various parts, only externally visible serial number is EXP21, which is visible on left side of trunnion and left side of receiver. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining the vast majority of finish with some scattered marks from handling and operation. There is some silvering at the pivot points of the bipod. Bore is fine, bright and shiny with sharp rifling. Bolt face is fine, with some light traces of firing residue. Mechanics are crisp. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own the lowest numbered publicly offered T161 in fantastic condition. 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. EW
Caliber/Bore
7.62x51mm NATO
Manufacturer
United States