April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
This is a very rare original DWM manufactured Argentine contract steel jacket Maxim machine gun on original tripod. Tripod is serial number 116. The gun retains matching numbered (176A) lock and barrel. This gun was part of a third and final contract for Maxim guns which Argentina ordered in June of 1901. These last 20 guns were fitted with steel water jackets rather than brass. This like nearly all registered in the United States has the 1909 modification to the sight for the later 7.65 ammunition. Jacket, top cover, feed block, fusee cover, and back plate all match the gun serial number. The Argentine contract Maxim guns, both brass and steel jacket versions were imported into the United States over 50 years ago and sold to the collector market. This particular gun was originally sold by Potomac Arms Corporation to a Mr. Zepepowitz of Maryland in May-June 1961. It is one of only three such steel jacket specimens known by this cataloger to remain in the United States. Like the early Argentine contract Maxim guns, this guns exhibits an outstanding high quality fit and finish found in machine guns manufactured around the turn of the 19th to 20th Century. There is nothing quite like the feel of old world craftsmanship and quality that went into these guns. The wooden roller feedblock and shape of the water jacket and brass handles make these guns immediately recognizable. Water fill and drain caps are present and serviceable. Steam port cork and chains are present. The tripod retains its original leather seat. Electronic NFA registry indicates “ MAXIM “ as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent combination of original and professionally restored finish over some light barely discernable pitting on top of the water jacket. Brass parts exhibit a pleasing patina with very clear and especially attractive markings on the fusee cover which dates this gun to 1902. Original wooden roller in feedblock in very good serviceable condition. Matching numbered "176" 7.65 mm Argentine barrel is deactivated by drilling a hole through the clear through both sides and the chamber and inserting a metal pin. Added engraved markings on flat of barrel, "Not for Live Fire". This barrel is unserviceable, however, a replacement barrel can be fabricated should the buyer desire to pursue this course. Steel parts of tripod exhibit about 95% coverage of olive green paint with serviceable original leather seat. Although not general knowledge, these early Maxim machine guns may readily be converted to other calibers such as 8 mm Mauser and 7.62 Russian with a fairly straightforward exchange of parts. This cataloger has done so on the firing range at the old Hiram Maxim shooting events which used to take place in Maine 20 plus years ago. This is an especially attractive early Maxim and would make an outstanding addition to any machine gun collector's collection, or as an eye catching display piece anywhere. 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. 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 2023-4-23
Caliber/Bore
7.65x53mm Mauser