(N) TOP CONDITION GERMAN WWI SPANDAU MANUFACTURED MG 08/15 MAXIM MACHINE GUN IN PROGRESS FOR SPADE

This Spandau manufactured 1918 dated Maxim 08/15 machine gun has a matching top cover, and is in beautiful clean condition. It is obvious that this was a project in progress to fit a spade handle to the rear of the receiver box in lieu of the pistol grip assembly. This cataloger has seen such conversions at the range before. Once completed, it makes for a far more portable, yet still effective, Maxim firing platform. No muzzle booster, nor muzzle bearing present. No steam port cover, bipod, pistol grip assembly or trigger, nor buttstock assembly present. Lower feed block arm is a replacement which seems to function well. A robust machined steel appliance has been fabricated and fitted in lieu of the trigger bar, which very effectively actuates the sear when pulled to the rear. Whomever designed and accomplished this work was very competent. Electronic NFA registry indicates “SPAUDAU ARSENAL” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent and very attractive combination of original and restored finish with blue thinning on the lower sideplates and repainted water jacket. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Lock is clean and serviceable with good spring tension. Mechanics are crisp and positive, with rails recoiling appropriately under fusee spring tension. This is a full-auto-only machine gun. Although the modern “black” guns command top prices, this cataloger will go on record as stating that it is pretty difficult to improve on the Maxim and Vickers as firing platforms for recreational shooting. It does require the operator to know a thing or two about them, but isn’t that all part of the fun? Combine this with the quality of early 20th century craftsmanship and you have something very attractive. To each their own, but these guns are great fun to shoot at the range. 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 2024-05-017 Barrel Length: 29" Caliber/Bore: 8mm FFL Status: NFA Manufacturer: Spandau Arsenal Model: MG0815 Serial Number: 8137