September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Smith & Wesson developed a light intermediate rifle chambered in 9mm Parabellum for Britain, who were in dire need of small arms. The 1940 trials proved unsuccessful, stress cracks developing in some receivers after just 1000 rounds of hotly loaded ammunition. Although a reinforced Mark II was built, Britain ended the program and destroyed the weapons. American interest also proved limited due to the nonstandard 9mm chambering. Smith & Wesson retained a small portion rifles produced but did not initially sell them on the civilian market due to their then NFA short barrel status. In 1975 the surviving 137 MK I and 80 MK II rifles were exempted from NFA regulation and sold to collectors. This very fine and scarce MK I remains in its original configuration with blued finish throughout. Standard fluted 9 - 3/4" barrel with blade front sight and adjustable square notch rear sight. Pistol grip stock is black composite with a blued serrated steel butt plate. Unlike most examples, no warning plaque appears to have been mounted on the stock. Rifle is accompanied by a Roy Jinks factory letter, original leather sling, 5 total magazines 4 of which are in their original cardboard, and a barrel wrench. CONDITION: Excellent. Nearly all of the original factory blue is displayed throughout with some loss on the charging handle and other scattered marks. Some light oxidation spots present on the magazine and base of the magazine housing. Stock rates excellent. Mirror bore. Fine mechanics. A very rare and interesting WWII experimental rifle.
Accessories
4 extra magazines, wrench
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Paperwork
Smith & Wesson letter