September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
This is one remarkably rare find. Registered by and offered as part of the William Fleming machine gun collection, this is an original German MG-17 machinegun, complete in its mount and with the cocking/firing mechanism. Marked on top of receiver, “MG-17 / Nr 4007941 / Fl 47500” with added, “FLEMING FIREARMS INC / C’VILLE, OK” with added electro pencil “Collinsville”. The MG-17 machine was the offensive armament for many German Luftwaffe aircraft during WWII. Over 24,000 were produced before it was gradually replaced by the MG-131 and MG-151 machine cannon. Since these guns are in the standard 7.92x57mm Mauser rifle cartridge, many of these MG-17’s were converted for use in a ground role after they were removed from aircraft. They are a very fast-firing machine gun. Bolt with extractor, carrier, and mainspring all seem to be good serviceable condition, as does the feed shuttle and cocking/firing mechanism. Gun articulates properly in its mount, and the original mounting block is in good condition. One can see when looking at this gun and the empty case ejection chute at the bottom that this gun saw use in combat. Electronic NFA registry indicates, “FLEMING, WILLIAM DBA FLEMING FIREARMS” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: From the machine gun collection of noted William “Happiness is a Warm Machine Gun” Fleming. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original black enamel finish throughout with some scattered loss of finish to a gray/brown patina. The internals of the feed shuttle are in outstanding clean condition. Bore is a uniform rough brown as uncleaned, but barrels for this gun are more or less readily available (including from this cataloger). Bolt is extremely fine. Cocking/firing mechanism is near excellent including the braided electrical cable and socket. This is a full-auto only machine gun. As a WWII German Luftwaffe collector's, or aircraft restorer’s piece, this is an incredible find. This is the ONLY specimen of this kind this cataloger has ever encountered which is as complete with the mounting apparatus, feed shuttle and firing mechanism. Suitable for the most advanced, discerning and forward-thinking collector/investor/machine gun enthusiast. 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. JWK 2025-09-149.
Accessories
Feed shuttle and cocking/firing mechanism detached from the gun
Manufacturer
Fleming Firearms