April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
This is a highly desirable, early and unaltered version of what would go on to become the iconic M16 machine gun. The left side of the magazine well is marked with the Rampant Colt logo within a circle next to "COLT", which is above "ARMALITE AR15/ PATENTS PENDING/ CAL .223/ MODEL 01/ SERIAL 000680", with "COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MFG. CO./ HARTFORD, CONN./ U.S.A." above the trigger assembly. Selector is properly marked "SAFE", "SEMI", "AUTO". Otherwise, other components are unmarked with the exception of some small factory proofs. Receiver serial number is the only visible serial number. Rifle features all early and unaltered preproduction features, including the three-prong flash hider, machined front sight base, chromed bolt and bolt carrier assembly, non-chrome lined barrel, lack of a bolt forward assist, and the distinctive early style charging handle. Furniture is comprised of a green painted plastic buttstock, pistol grip, and triangular forend, and is accompanied by an additional set of black plastic furniture. Black plastic buttstock is stamped "SECAUCUS P.D." vertically along the buttplate. This example is complete with two Colt/Armalite marked waffle pattern magazines. CONDITION: Metal components retain extremely fine to near excellent original factory anodized finish, exhibiting some minor scattered nicks and handling marks that show through to a few areas of gray patina, as well as some scattered areas with extremely light superficial handling and storage marks. Bolt is bright and clean, with the bolt face showing some evidence of light firing. Very clean mirror bore, with well-defined rifling throughout. Green painted plastic furniture exhibits some light handling marks and some scattered nicks to the paint. Forearm shows a few nicks to the plastic around some of the ventilating holes. Additional set of black furniture exhibits some scattered scratches, as well as some nicks and dings, which is appropriate for a set of Police Department issued furniture. Waffle pattern magazines show some wear from use, but are otherwise fine. This is an exceedingly scarce and historically important example of an unaltered Colt/Armalite AR-15 Model 01 machine gun, that served as the predecessor for one of the most iconic firearms of all time. These rifles are seldom offered at auction or are seen on the open market today, making this a rare opportunity for the discerning collector to add an example to their collection. 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 & RELIC ELIGIBLE. -MLW-
Accessories
Additional set of black furniture, extra magazine
Caliber/Bore
.223 Remington