December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
High condition specimen of one of the very early manufactured Browning model 1917 machine guns by N.E. Westinghouse Co.. Serial number 6! Almost all of the early Browning 1917 guns were retrofitted with a reinforcing "stirrup" on the bottom plate to strengthen the receiver box and improve durability. Very few escaped this retrofit, making the remaining guns desirable collector's items. If you are going to have an example of one of the most classic, and very fun recreational machine guns, you cannot go wrong with this specimen. Included with this lot is a "Silver Certificate of Recognition" and metal medallion, "One of the ten best arms exhibited" in case as presented by the National Rifle Association at their 140th annual meeting on May 1, 2011. Water fill plug is brass and with red hard rubber thumbpiece. Drain plug and cork present. Original hard bakelite pistol grip is on backplate. Bolt and carrier appear to be original vintage as well. Electronic NFA registry indicates “BROWNING ARMS CO” as the manufacturer, and “1917” as the model. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original smooth blue finish, thinning in places. Receiver number is the only visible number. Bore is near excellent shiny and bright. Bolt face extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This is a full-auto-only machine gun. PROVENANCE: Robert Segal Collection. See other accessories for this gun being offered as separate lots in this same auction. Original early unmodified Westinghouse Browning Model 1917 with a low number like this presents a tremendous opportunity for the early American machine gun collector. 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 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2023-12-27
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer
Browning Arms Company