(N) EARLIEST KNOWN SERIAL NUMBER 5 GERMAN WWI LMG 08/15 AIRCRAFT MAXIM MACHINE GUN (CURIO & RELIC).

This is the most incredible find and opportunity for the advanced World War 1 German machine gun collector. Not only is this without a doubt one the earliest manufactured Maxim LMG 08/15 in the National Firearms Act Registry and available for private ownership in the United States, but it also retains its matching lock and many other of its original matching parts. The longtime owner of this gun added some standard yet top-condition standard 08/15 parts to this gun to enable it to be fired. This only enhances the desirability of this piece. The following parts are serial numbered “5” in this gun: Receiver, shroud, top cover, top cover retention latch, fusee cover, charging handle, and feed block (including the upper and lower feed arms, which are unmolested). The following parts are unnumbered: muzzle booster, original front and rear sights, drum hanger, cocking handle, and roller assembly (factory original, nonetheless). The following parts are mismatched: Pistol grip assembly, including trigger, buttstock assembly, and barrel. In short, with the exception of the barrel, everything which could be matching from the factory on this gun, is. An original 08/15 belt holding "drum" is included with this lot, as well as a fabricated steel stand and pedestal shaft fixture with a machined socket to match the 08/15 bipod knuckle. A corresponding fixture has been fabricated and attached to the original mounting point on the gun so that it can be displayed, or attached to a bipod, or tripod, and fired. A very clever and functional arrangement. This gun would have been one of the very first produced at the German State arsenal at Spandau in late 1916 after the German air service got a look at the "new" Maxim 08/15. Spandau went on the produce over 23,000 more of these aircraft LMG 08/15’s. Among the most notable differences from the standard ground 08/15, the Klingstrom device on the right side allowed the gun to be cocked and loaded with one hand, a critical need in the air. One can observe the holes at the front bottom of the receiver box of this gun where the synchronization apparatus would have been attached, but this accessory is not present. Non-vintage retention bolts and nuts at forward edge of top cover, and at bottom of shoulder stock (correct originals are readily obtainable). Electronic NFA registry indicates "GERMANY" as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original blue finish with some thinning of the finish at the high edges, and gray patina where the synchronization apparatus was removed. Fusee cover finish is thinning to a pleasing gray/brown patina. Some brown patina starting to form on the perforated shroud and on the muzzle booster. Drum hanger is a uniform rough brown patina. Buttstock is extremely fine to near excellent. Pistol grip has worn checkering but otherwise is extremely fine. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Lock is extremely fine to near excellent. Drum is extremely fine, in original dark green paint. This is a full-auto-only machine gun. This cataloger has seen many Maxim guns and even had the pleasure to enjoy the hospitality of the collector who has more LMG 08/15’s than anybody else in the United States (and probably the world). None have been more impressive than this specimen offered here. Not just the low serial number, but condition, the matching numbered original parts, and the tasteful and thoughtful way in which it has been enabled to be fire recreationally from time to time, sets this gun into a class all its own. An outstanding opportunity for the advanced and forward-thinking collector/investor. 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 AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2024-05-027. Accessories: Display pedestal mount & Drum Barrel Length: 28" Caliber/Bore: 7.92mm FFL Status: NFA Manufacturer: Germany Model: LMG 08/15 Serial Number: 5