1012 FULLY TRANSFERABLE GERMAN MG08/15 MG WITH WWI

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 3,500.00 USD
Estimated at 7,000.00 - 11,000.00 USD
UNIT MARKINGS. Cal. 8mm, S# 5303. Bbl. 26" manufactured as a more portable variant of the famous Maschinengewehr 08, or MG08, Germany’s standard machine gun in World War I. Both are direct evolutions of Sir Hiram Maxim's original 1884 Maxim gun. The MG08-15 utilizes a shoulder stock and forward mounted pistol grip & trigger for firing prone from a bipod. While retaining a similar water jacket, fusee cover and knuckle-buster charging system to Sir Hiram Maxim’s original design, it has a much smaller receiver signature and is intended to be fired in a similar fashion to a traditional rifle, without the necessity of a heavy mount. Feeding was aided by a circular box, presented at the right side of the feed mechanism, to support a loaded belt without the necessity of an A-Gunner. This example currently wears a top cover marked by Spandau, 1917 & also includes unit markings designating it as Guard Regiment #3, 5th Company. The paperwork simply lists "Germany" as the manufacturer. The left sideplate retains the original German markings, serial number 5303 w/ a few Imperial proof marks. Much of it still retains matching numbers such as left sideplate, stock/backplate, small external firing mechanism parts, lock & even barrel. The fusee cover, top cover & feed block do not match. Markings are clear and strong throughout. Hardwood shoulder stock and checkered pistol grip. Bipod is also painted green. Green drum magazine interfaces with a hanger that attaches to the gun below the feed block, with painted, raised lettering reading “Feuer!” (Fire) in red, and “Kurbelhuch” (Crank) in white. Rear sight graduated to 2000 meters w/ front blade sight at end of barrel jacket. MAGS: 1 Cloth belt App 8 feet in length with brass tab & 1 aluminum 250rd belt. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 1 Spare barrel, 2 armorers wrenches, 1 spare lock, 1 steam hose, spare internal parts, 1 single spade grip (appears to be stateside manufacture) 4 different English translated manuals. CONDITION: blued finish on exposed metal parts consistently thin & browning, appearing period correct. All possess clear, legible stampings in several areas. Wooden shoulder stock has several typical impressions and a few light divets, though nothing appears to have affected the structural integrity. Stock checkering on rear still remains deep & aggressive. Pistol grip is checkered with typical impressions. Bore on mounted barrel is quite dark but still retains strong rifling, while spare barrel is brighter, with strong rifling. Fire control mechanism appears to function correctly when cycled by hand. NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE. PROVENANCE: Lifelong Collection of Terrance McCarty. (03-1695/JZ). CURIO CLASS III. $7,000-$11,000.