May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
This German MG-15 machine gun was manufactured in 1942 and looks every inch a combat used gun, and this cataloger has seen it running on the range. The handgrip assembly, barrel, barrel extension, and spare bolt are included with gun match in number, 23290. Bolt in gun is number 1787. Receiver and shroud are non-matching 45812. Receiver markings are, “MG 15 / Nr 45812-42 (actual gun serial number followed by year of manufacture) / FL45701 (This is the “Flieger Number" or Luftwaffe stock number for this model). There is also an attractive Luftwaffe eagle proofmark on the right side of the receiver with the following annotation, “JUA 11, 1942". One original 75-round “awt 40” German saddle drum is included with this lot, as well as well as the original detachable leather covered clamp-on buttstock original front and rear sights, original repainted “ground-kit” shroud to adapt this gun for an MG-34 bipod (also included), and original German “music-stand” type tripod. Additional desirable accessories include an original wooden transit chest, Spare barrel, barrel extension, mainspring, drum retention latch, and firing pin extension. Original Luftwaffe marked complete leather “gunner’s wallet" is also included which has two firing pin extensions, broken case extractor, two extractors, two firing pins, and one oiler. Electronic NFA Registry indicates “GERMANY” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: Consignor states that this gun was purchased, “as brought back” from an American Legion post many years ago. Consignor bought some spare parts and installed them for shooting in order to keep the original internal parts in good condition. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original finish with some loss of black enamel painted finish on the shroud flaking away. Bakelite is extremely fine with a couple minor chips and bit of damage at the safety switch. Gray patina on the shoulder stock metal with original leather pads, the lower pad being flattened. None of this affects serviceability. Tripod has about 30% of its original paint remaining, otherwise turning a brown and gray patina. Modern web MG-3 AA tripod sling attached to the tripod. Wood transit chest retains much of its original green paint. Very clean interior fitted for spare parts and accessories. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt faces of both bolts are extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This is a full-auto-only machine gun. This is an absolutely fabulous ensemble, both from the standpoint of being a WWII collector’s piece and as a recreational shooter’s dream. Fast-firing – rare tripod included - no need to worry about belts wearing out – ammunition readily available – Additional drums offered in other lots in this auction. Plus the included accessories put this gun over the top. Please see other lots in this auction for additional saddle drum magazines and other desirable spare parts. 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 2024-05-137.
Accessories
Crate, Tripod, gunner