April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Very rare and desirable Johnson 1941 light machine gun with 6 magazines. Bipod is present. This weapon is marked with patent dates and "JOHNSON AUTOMATICS" information on top of receiver above ejection port, and on right side of receiver "CRANSTON ARMS CO" within an inverted triangle. Bottom of magazine housing is marked "1-NE-41" indicating this was supplied in 1941 by New England Arms as a sub-contractor. Front of barrel is marked "30-06" and "41". Barrel reciprocating spring has good tension. The Johnson machine gun is an extremely interesting design in that when set for full-auto fire it fires from an open bolt, while when set for semi-automatic fire it fires from a closed bolt. Electronic NFA registry indicates “Form 2 Registration” as the manufacturer. Actual consignor registration form indicates, “Johnson / Providence, RI”. It is important for every active FFL/SOT dealer to capture and record the “Name and address of the manufacturer and/or importer of firearm” on the prior registration form from an incoming machine gun. Otherwise, if the incoming transfer is via E-file, and the electronic registry indicates “Form 2 registration”, after 2 such transfers, then actual manufacturer data may be lost. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine grey refinish over some very light pitting in places. Wood of buttstock is cracked on right and left sides parallel to the bore line. This could be repaired by an accomplished wood restorer. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This model was used in the Pacific theater by the Marine Corps during World War II as well as by the First Special Service Force, and as such is a wonderful piece of WWII history for the machine gun enthusiast. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY TO ACTIVE FFL/SOT DEALERS ON AN ATF FORM 3 BUT MAY BE RETAINED BY SOLE PROPRIETOR FFL/SOT HOLDERS WHEN THEY RELINQUISH THEIR LICENSES UPON BATF APPROVAL. JWK 2023-04-10
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer
Johnson Automatics