October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Maschinen Fabrik Augsburg – Nurnberg “MAN” manufactured 1917 dated Maxim 08/15 machine gun with matching parts throughout, including but not limited to the feed block, bolt, barrel, drum hanger stock . Visible numbers match everywhere. “EWD” marking on right side of buttstock indicates "Ein Wohner Wehr Bayern" which was an armed residents unit based in Munich in the Pre-Nazi days. A number of original WW1 Maxim 08/15's were retained in Germany under the terms of the treaty of Versailles, and some, like this one were in the hands of a quasi-official armed civilian organizations. Later, when the Nazi's came to power, this gun was collected up and "updated" as you see here. Special Weimer retrofit drain spout cover which is a simple plug which locks into place. The water fill cap retains its original wood thumb pieces. Gun comes with numerous accessories including “The Devil’s Paintbrush” book signed by Dolf Goldsmith, Original Nazi “battle-pack” of 300 rounds of steel cased 8mm ammunition, original belt drum hanger, reproduction leather and cloth sling, camouflaged painted bipod, one metal ammo can with Turkish maxim brass-tabbed cloth belt with 8mm Portugese, Berdan primed non-corrosive ammunition. Also included is a rare late war style drum box with two original WW1 German 08/15 Maxim assault drums. Also included is an original German WW1 water can with “swing-out” spout, and what is almost certainly the condensing hose tip captured with this gun as it has the special fitting at the end for this Weimar era retrofit drain plug. Original anti-aircraft rear sight is included attached to the right side of the receiver. Exceptionally rare parts on this gun include the feed block with a switch which allows the firer to utilize either cloth belts or MG34 belts, and the even rarer forward bipod attachment ring which fits between the muzzle booster and nose of water jacket. One also immediately notices drain valve positioned at the bottom of the water 17” forward on the trunnion. Also included is an extremely rare original leather cover for the pistol grip. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original Weimar era deep blue refinish on all metal parts except for the bipod, which although almost certainly was not captured with this gun, it was what the consignor had, and does exhibit an interesting camouflage paint with scattered corrosion at the exposed points. Walnut stock and pistol-grip handle show light handling marks, bruises and scratches, but remain string and serviceable. Buttstock has a 4” long crack on right side running parallel to the bore line. Drum box is extremely fine, as are drums within, both of which retain their original paint. Steam condensing hose is black rubber, still soft and pliable which indicates it is a replacement, but from long ago undoubtedly. Bore near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt is also near excellent. Mechanics are crisp. This is an exceptional gun and an example of an exceedingly rare model, which was only fielded for a very short time before the MG-34 replaced it as soon as this newer model machine gun became available. Returning G.I.’s were obviously more attracted to the more modern machine gun designs they encountered. As to how many of this specimens particular configuration survived the war, in a completely matching numbers state, were brought back to the United States, and subsequently registered for private ownership, this cataloger would like hear some input, but probably fewer than can be counted on the fingers of one hand if even that many. Offered for the most discerning and advanced Maxim and WW1 collector, and/or shrewd investor, a chance not likely to be repeated to own what is likely the very best specimen of its kind. 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 18-74
Accessories
Ammo, drums, water can, bipod