September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
This S&H manufactured Maxim 08/15 machine gun has a matching top cover, check lever, and buttstock. The rest of the gun is non-matching. Lower feed arm shows evidence of repair as many, many of these Maxim guns had their lower feed arms broken off to deactivate them back in the early 20th century. The good news is that all the evidence of condition is that this gun is a good firing specimen. The action moves very smoothly and the barrel is dirty and dark with firing residue. Another plus to this gun is that the original drum hanger is present, but unfortunately the steam port cover is not. Water fill cap is present but missing its wooden thumbpiece. An original bipod with paint consistent with the condition of the rest of the gun is also present, as is the muzzle booster. One original belt drum is also included with this lot. Electronic NFA registry indicates “GERMANY” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: From the machine gun collection of William “Happiness is a Warm Machine Gun” Fleming. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine to extremely fine combination of original blued finish and refinished or repainted parts, such as the muzzle of the booster and the fusee cover. Water jacket is a highlight with original green paint and no dents. (When was the last time you saw a Maxim 08/15 with NO dents in the water jacket?) Buttstock is very solid and serviceable with typical dings and bruises. Bore has strong rifling, but is dark and dirty with firing residue. Lock is clean and serviceable with good spring tension. Mechanics are fine, action moves smoothly, with rails recoiling appropriately under fusee spring tension. This is a full-auto only machine gun. The 08/15 Maxim was the German “light” machine gun of World War I and remained in service throughout the Weimar era of the 1920s and 1930s, eventually becoming a rear echelon weapon through the end of World War II. This is a classic WWI machine gun, and these guns are great fun to shoot at the range as well. 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 2025-09-136.