1013 FULLY TRANSFERABLE MARLIN / ERB MODEL 1906, 30-06

CURRENT BID
0.00USD
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID[?]
You must bid at least
6,000.00USD
USD
6,000.00 x 1 unit = 6,000.00USDApplicable fees & taxes are added at checkout.
[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Oct 30 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 6,000.00 USD
Estimated at 12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
"POTATO DIGGER" MACHINE GUN. Cal. 30. S# 16912. Bbl. 28". The Model M1895 Machine Gun, was often referred to as the "Potato Digger" due to its front mounted operating rod, located on the bottom just a few inches rear of the muzzle, since it could dig harrows in soft soil if mounted low enough. This nickname stuck & is still in use over 100 years later. This example was originally manufactured by the Marlin Arms Company & designated the Model 1906, coinciding w/ the chambering of the soon to be popular 30-06, also introduced in that year. It was a very early example of a gas operated machine gun, ahead of its time as weapon technology would evolve. The heavy barrel, measuring almost 1.35" in diameter boasts a 15" finned section to assist in barrel cooling. This tubular section spans over 36" in total, where the barrel is integral w/ the top portion of the receiver, where it interfaces w/ the pistol grip at the extreme rear of the firearm. The lower portion of the receiver is more rectangular in shape, spanning 27" in length. Front sight is a shrouded blade, 2" rear of the muzzle. The rear sight is graduated from 100 yards to 2600 yards, w/ a sight radius of almost 34". While NFA paperwork indicates the manufacturer as Charles N. Erb, Jr. the top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN ARMS CORPORATION / NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT / USA / INSPR. J.A.D. 1917 / CAL. 30. MODEL 1906 / NO. 16912". Barrel marked "CAL. 30 U.S.A / NO. 1702." Currently mounted on tripod, designed by the noted firearms designer John Browning, This massive tripod is constructed of brass & steel. The elevation is controlled by a worm gear. The traverse is accomplished by unlocking a hand lever allowing the gun to swing freely on the mount. The wooden knee-board is present as is the 31 1/2" bright steel cleaning rod which fits into the rear tripod leg. The tripod feet has additional spikes to enable the tripod to be used on hard ground. The tripod is unmarked & has an OD green painted finish. Tripod measures approx. 48" by 25" when fully extended & the flat mounting plate is approx. 18" from the ground. The locking pin for the gun is present. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 2 photocopied magazine articles & some small mount screws. CONDITION: Blued finish on firearm is largely present, w/ majority thinning on the receiver above the ejection port. All moving parts function fluidly. Bore is quite clean w/ strong rifling. The tripod paint has wear, flaking & areas of patina w/ the exposed brass parts turning a pleasing patina. The clamping levers work freely, although the traversing clamp lever does not bind fully as tight as necessary to stop the traversing movement. Knee-board is in good condition w/ light wear. Fire control mechanism appears to function correctly when cycled by hand. NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE.(03-1896, 02-23904/JZ). MODERN CLASS III. $12.000-18,000.