September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Incredibly rare U.S. Model 1904 U.S. Maxim parts kit as originally manufactured by “VICKERS, SONS, & MAXIM LTD.” As marked on the included top cover. It is noteworthy that the serial number on the top cover indicates this was “No 31”. Both Colt and Vickers manufactured model 1904 Maxim guns, and based upon specimens observed by this cataloger, the Vickers guns are the scarcer in an already very small number of surviving specimens. This kit contains the key parts needed for either assembling a magnificent display gun, or a live gun if you have access to a registered sideplate, or otherwise are a licensed manufacturer and desire to build a post-86 dealer sample. In addition to an original high-condition water jacket assembly, muzzle booster and recoil cup, there is a complete left sideplate, brass bottom plate, original brass fusee cover, original top cover as noted above, original feed block (matching top cover) and brass backplate. As far as internal parts, there is a contemporary fabricated barrel with copper-wash at the chamber area, lock with .30-06 extractor (1012A), corresponding crosshead and recoil plates, locking plate and check-lever plate, fusee spring, two Russian backplate retention pins, and the front-most part of a pair of cut sideplates with the dovetails still in place. There are also a couple of removed rivets and a small carriage bolt. No trigger bar present, but this is a minor omission. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish ranges from near excellent on the water jacket assembly and recoil plates and top cover, to extremely fine on muzzle, booster cup, and brass parts, to fair with gray and brown patina on left sideplate. The barrel and bore are near excellent, shiny and bright. The front sight protection hood has done it's job and is misshaped, but this can be remedied with appropriate effort and the front sight is completely unharmed. This is the first and only opportunity this cataloger has had to offer such a parts kit at public auction. There is a 1904 Maxim tripod also being offered in this same auction as a separate lot, as well as a complete registered gun. This is an unprecedented opportunity for the advanced and discerning collector to acquire the makings of an extremely desirable machine gun model. JWK 2025-09-233.