April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
With lessons learned after the conclusion of the First World War, the U.S. Army began showing interest in the development of a new semi-automatic rifle that would increase their individual soldier's firepower while also being chambered in a round that would not be excessively powerful, like the .30-06 Springfield cartridge utilized during infantry engagements within 500 yards. Initial testing of Pederson's newly designed rifle and cartridge received much praise, but by the early 1930's was starting to fall out of favor with the now Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Semi-Automatic Board and was ultimately rejected in favor of John Garand's T1 design. In hopes of securing a contract with the British Military, Pederson convinced the British firm, Vickers-Armstrong LTD, to produce his design for British Military Trials. Ultimately, only a couple hundred Vickers-Armstrong Pederson rifles were manufactured before its rejection and end of production. This very fine and scarce infantry model was one of the couple hundred manufactured for British Military trials, bearing the serial number "168" on the right-hand side of the receiver with the left side being marked "PEDERSEN SELFLOADER PA/ VICKERS-ARMSTRONG LTD.". Top of receiver bears a "C/2" in a small oval over the chamber area, followed by a British proof on the bolt assembly, which is also present on rear of the left side of the receiver. The barrel was innovative for the time in that half the length from the receiver forward has deep spiral grooved cooling veins. The veins are located beneath a steel perforated barrel shroud, with the forward half of the barrel being a smooth traditional style for the period. Stock is comprised of walnut and features grasping grooves on either side with the bottom of the forestock having ventilating holes for further assistance with cooling. The action is comprised of a toggle and link system, reminiscent of the earlier Luger pistols, and is fed via a 10-round en bloc clip, which is similar to that of the M1 Garand. Accompanying this already scarce rifle, is a loaded 10-round en bloc clip, two pieces of a .276 Pederson ammunition box (one side stipulating the caliber and manufacturer, with the other only caliber), as well as an original Vickers-Armstrong "HANDBOOK/ OF THE/ PEDERSON/ SELF-LOADING RIFLE" that includes original correspondence with several individuals including the Director for the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, as well as an employee of Vickers Limited Engineering Group, detailing the receipt of this handbook, as well as the destruction of the Vickers manufactured Pederson rifle records. CONDITION: Near mint overall with metal components retaining most all their original blue finish, exhibiting only a very few minute areas of wear overall. All markings are sharp and clear. Mirror bore, exhibiting well-defined lands and grooves throughout. Internal components retain a coat of cosmoline. One-piece wood stock shows some minor dings and impressions from handling and storage but is otherwise excellent. Only a couple hundred Vickers-Armstrong Pederson rifles were produced, these scarce rifles are seen only in the most advanced collections, a rare opportunity to acquire one of the best. -MLW-
Caliber/Bore
.276 Pedersen
Manufacturer
Vickers-Armstrong
Paperwork
Manual, Information