April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Manufactured by Izhevsk in 1939 and so marked and dated, this rifle was Russia's version of the American 1918 Browning automatic rifle. With a box magazine and full power rifle round it had an advantage over the BAR in that it fires from a closed bolt, with a large muzzle brake. Expensive and time consuming to produce, it was fielded in limited numbers before Soviet authorities decided they would concentrate more on the semi-auto only SVT-38s and later SVT-40s. Receiver and buttstock serial number match. Bolt and magazine serial numbers do not match receiver serial number. No import marks (of course) on this curio and relic eligible machine gun, indicating it was likely a bring-back by some G.I. who likely liberated it from a German. This cataloger has spoken to several veterans in past years who captured Russian equipment from German soldiers on the Western Front. The AVS-36 incorporates an adjustable gas port above the barrel forward of the hand guard and a cleaning rod on the right side which attaches to the rifle making it immediately recognizable relative to its cousins, the SVT series. Two original non-matching SN 15 round magazines are included with this lot. One is “SA” marked indicating Finnish capture. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish are fine. Original blue finish thinning to a grey patina in a classic use wear pattern. Stock has typical scratches, gouges and handling marks, but is completely whole and serviceable with clear and attractive Soviet cartouche on right side. Charging handle dust cover slides with proper tension. Selector is crisp and positive. Bore is dark with strong rifling; shiny on lands and dark in grooves. Bolt face is very good. This is a select fire machine gun. Quite an attractive, very rare and desirable specimen for the World War II or Soviet machine gun collector/investor. A great piece. From the estate of noted cartridge collector and World War II veteran William H. Woodin. 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.