September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Remarkably rare original “U.S.” marked wheeled carriage with original mounting head, box and two “papoose” style carriers for the Colt Browning “Potato Digger” machine gun. An excellent photo of a similar carriage with the same type storage box may be found in the book, “The Browning Machine Gun” by Dolf Goldsmith on page 22, photograph #40. This carriage has a “T” bar at the trail to facilitate easy movement by soldiers (or recreational machine gun enthusiasts). There is a “U.S.” proof and inspector’s initial’s, “R.A.C.” clearly marked on the flat of the brass base of the head socket. An original albeit repainted wooden digger ammunition box is also included with this lot. This carriage can be used for either the Model 1895 or 1914 "Digger" machine guns. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine to extremely fine original army green painted finish with a significant amount of the paint flaking away, revealing extremely well preserved wood underneath. Original steel tires have expected brown patina but are still extremely fine and service. Metal hardware extremely fine. Wood carrying box is extremely fine with the interior having that “dry-wood” smell of over 100 years of age. The two rectangular carriers are in near excellent original condition with original green paint near excellent, and near excellent leather pads. Leather straps are also near excellent, just starting to harden. Original leather seat is intact and serviceable although starting to flake. This carriage could accommodate any of the Colt or Marlin manufactured “Digger” machine guns with the appropriate mounting holes at he bottom of their receiver boxes. This is the only specimen of this kind this cataloger has ever encountered outside of a museum. An opportunity for the advanced private collector which should not be missed. JWK 2025-09-244.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.