September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Another unique item from the William Fleming collection. It is an American 180 machine gun with laser sight fitted into a Samsonite briefcase. There are two tiny actuators, one on the handle for the laser sight, and one on the briefcase itself near the handle which actuates a solenoid driven plunger underneath the gun which in turn acts as a sear releasing the bolt and firing the machine gun inside. Very ingenious! The machine gun itself is removeable and held in place secured in its mounting by a retention pin which easily slides out to allow servicing. The laser sight is also fitted in the case parallel to the carrying handle. The original handgrip assembly for the American 180 is included as a well as the metal pan magazine and driving mechanism. The switches, solenoid, and laser sight in this ensemble are battery powered and a plug-in 110 volt charging unit is also included with this lot. Batteries apparently need to be replaced as this case and laser sight are currently non-functional, although the mechanics of the gun are fine. Electronic NFA registry indicates “AMERICAN ARMS INTERNATIONAL INC” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: From the machine gun collection of William “Happiness is a Warm Machine Gun” Fleming. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish of the gun is near excellent original blue finish on all metal parts. Bore is near excellent. Detached handgrip has brown composite handle and is also near excellent. Case is extremely fine to near excellent, remaining completely presentable albeit the soft rubber covering on the handle has come loose. This could either be glued back in place or completely removed without negatively affecting the appearance of this case. In the days before the TSA and X-ray machines, this case and machine gun could have boarded a commercial airliner as carry-on baggage with ease. A poignant reminder of days gone by, and of the espionage craze that fueled interest in many television programs such as “Mission Impossible”. A delight for this cataloger’s generation. Should one desire to remove this gun from the briefcase and shoot it recreationally, one would desire to find a buttstock. 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. JWK 2025-09-147.
Accessories
handgrip and plug-in charge unit included
Caliber/Bore
.22 Long Rifle
Manufacturer
American Arms International