September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Based on the rugged and iconic Browning M1917 water-cooled machine guns, Colt continued commercial production with minor modification as the M1928. This example was meticulously rebuilt and converted as a semi-automatic only rifle chambered in .30-06 by Ohio Ordnance from original Argentine Colt M1928 and new made parts. It features a 24" barrel with muzzle device and brass capped water jacket, which includes chained caps. Hooded blade front sight and rear sight graduated to 2800 meters. Semi-auto left side plate engraved "BROWNING WATER COOLED GUN / SELF LOADING MODEL 1928 / U.S. CALIBER .30 / MFG'D BY OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS / CHARDON, OHIO / S/N WC864". Original right side plate stamped "COLT AUTOMATIC MACHINE GUN / MODEL 1928 - CAL. 7.65mm. / BROWNING PAT. FEB. 4 - 1919" and is mounted with an original Zeiss optic mount. 2-piece wood-handled pistol grip back plate with M1928 flip safety. Gun is accompanied by an original olive-painted M35 Colt commercial tripod serial number "786" with cradle and wooden ammo box, in addition to custom-made wood transit chests for gun and tripod, and a broken case extractor tool. CONDITION: Very good overall. Water jacket displays an even gray patina with a few minor dings and freckling. Significant portions of arsenal blued finish are retained with some expected thinning and wear. Other components have thinned reapplied blue finish, expertly matching the original for a uniform period look. Strong bright bore showing moderate evidence of use. Mechanically fine. Tripod is likewise very good with the vast majority of its paint retained. An very nice semi-automatic example of a scarce Argentine Colt M1928 Colt belt-fed machine gun.
Accessories
Tripod, Transit chest
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer
Ohio Ordnance Works