May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Heavily mired in static trench warfare the British launched their first "tanks" in 1916, shortly followed by the French, in an effort to break the German lines. Standard caliber German armaments were insufficient against the new armored vehicles, so in response Mauser introduced the Tankgewehr chambered in the substantial 13.2x92mm cartridge. This example is dated "1918" on the bridge, marked below the "MAUSER" banner. Standard length barrel marked on the underside "KK". Fitted with tall blade front sight and tangent rear graduated to 500 meters. Classic 2-piece walnut stock with pistol grip stamped on the right and toeline with arsenal proofs. Matching numbers observed on receiver ring, barrel, barrel band, bolt components, bolt release, and stock. Complete with a reproduction MG08-15 bipod. CONDITION: Good. Original finish has largely faded to a brown patina throughout with some mild cleaned oxidation spots. Stock has an age darkened appearance with expected dings and some splitting where the stock is joined together. Very fine, mirror bore. Fine mechanics. Bipod is excellent. A nice example of a WWI anti-tank rifle.