September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
This Spandau manufactured Maxim 08/15 machine gun is essentially mismatched, but the water jacket is an outstanding example of an undented original with original paint. This, and the condition of the gun in general, makes up for the disparity regarding matching parts. No drum hanger present, but a water can is included with this lot. Added fasteners for the pistol grip and trigger bar retention at bottom of the receiver. 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. Original muzzle booster, steam port cover, and bipod are present. Water fill cap is present and retains its wooden thumbpiece albeit with a missing retention pin. Electronic NFA registry indicates “MAXIM” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Dolf L. Goldsmith. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine to extremely original blued finish turning to a gray and brown patina. Water jacket and bipod retain most of their original gray-green paint. Buttstock has oiler in top of stock with typical dings and bruises to the wood. Bore is extremely fine with strong shiny lands and dark in the grooves. The lock is clean and serviceable with good spring tension. Mechanics are crisp with smooth moving action. 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 2025-09-166.