June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Extremely rare original Chinese Type 24 Maxim machine gun on original Chinese tripod, with AA spider sight. Immediately recognizable with its reversed (depending on your point of view) Swastika on fusee cover and top cover, the Chinese Type 24 maxim was manufactured as a copy of the German commercial Maxim. There are several features which set this model apart from the common MG-08 Maxim. Notably the gun has been lightened by designing the receiver to be shorter in height for a distance of 3-3/4 " back from the jacket. Correspondingly, the lock is shorter in height. Less metal, less weight. The backplate firing mechanism incorporates a "squeeze to fire" trigger mechanism with a flip-up safety. Current and previous registration forms indicate "Chinese Government Arsenal" as the manufacturer. Serial number "B4451" clearly visible on left sideplate with matching serial number on 8mm barrel. Fusee cover is serial number 3661. Otherwise the top cover and feedblock are serial number "B4551" with backplate "55" and 8mm lock "B4543". Tripod is numbered 17910. Rear sight bracket not present. Steam vent cork and chain not present. Retention screw for drain valve lever not present. Mechanics are crisp. Overall appearance and finish is fine to very fine with over 85% original blue finish remaining thinning to a gray and in some places a brown patina. Wooden handles also fine to very fine with some handling marks. Rh spade handle slightly bent at low arm. Water jacket has over 90% coverage of original green paint with no noticeable dents. Muzzle booster piston moves freely. Flash shield shows significant scale on rear side with non-matching green paint at front. Lock is extremely fine and clean. Bore is shiny and bright. Tripod retains over 95% green paint coverage with pleasing patina to original brass identification plate. Leather of seat and kneepads has been replaced with brown leather. An original C&R eligible fully transferable Chinese maxim still in 8mm is exceedingly rare. Most Chinese Maxim's were converted to 7.62x54R. To find a Chinese Maxim in good condition like this is a tremendous opportunity for the advanced Maxim collector or for a shrewd forward thinking investor. 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.