October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
This World War I U.S. Military Colt Model 1909 Automatic Machine Rifle (Benet Mercie) is a pretty rare find, and this one has some very desirable accessories. Gun is marked “AUTOMATIC MACHINE RIFLE CAL. .30. MODEL OF 1909” with Colt inspector logo and “MADE BY COLTS PATENT FIREARMS MFC CO” Vickers tripod is WW1 vintage “CC and Co” marked and “1918” dated. Head is also dated “1918” with British Proofs. Brass sighting disk is present. Receiver number is the only externally visible serial number. Included with this lot is an extremely rare original feed strip ammo box with 10 original feed strips with contemporary .30-06 ammunition. Exceptionally rare original .303 feed strip loading machine also included, along with original 1913 Warner Swasey optical sight in original 1918 dated leather carrying case with wrench in outer pocket. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original deep lustrous blue finish with some areas just starting to thin such as near the muzzle, on the gas cylinder, and where the bolt contacts the receiver, and on the handgrip and pistol cap area. Gas cylinder tube extremely clean. Buttstock wood has a crack on the left side about 1 ½” long at the top near the receiver running parallel to the bore line, otherwise with light to medium dings, bruises and handling marks. Rear bipod support finish also thinning to a brown and gray patina. Boxes retain over 80% of their original paint. Feed strips and loader very fine and serviceable. Ammunition sold for display purposes only. Leather optic case very fine. Optic eye shade petrified with cloudy optics. Mount adapter is a contemporary fabrication with a black enamel paint finish. Vickers tripod legs have been repainted a flat black with brass a soft pleasing patina. Guns bore is absolutely spectacular, extremely shiny and bright. Bolt is near excellent. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun which displays stunningly well, and a simply outstanding find with its included rare accessories for the advanced U.S. WW1 machine gun collector. 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. JWK 18-63
Manufacturer
Colt Benet-Merci