Spring 2025 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
May 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th, 2025
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
FULLY TRANSFERABLE, ORIGINAL ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL BROWNING MODEL1917A1 WATER COOLED MACHINE GUN ON TRIPOD
03-1818
Cal. 30-06
S# 716203
Bbl. 24″. The 1917A1 water cooled MG is an iconic part of any WWI through Korean War scenery as viewed from the lens of a war photographer; In movies & in photographs, the 1917 could be seen mounted on vehicles or ground mounts. The 1917 was an evolution of John Browning’s original design that would continue to be improved upon & have lineage into firearms that are still in use today such as the M2HB. The original 1917, through its heavy use, illustrated few weaknesses which were addressed in the M1917A1 & included the fitting of a new lower plate, an upgraded belt feed lever, an improved top cover latch assembly plus an updated, graduated leaf sight that would be suitable for the M1906 ball ammo. As additional data was collected, especially during heavy use in WWII, there were several further upgrades that continued the evolution to the M1917A1 (including sight modification for the later .30 M2 ball ammunition). This example was mfg. by Rock Island Arsenal. All external metal components are parkerized & the steel water jacket has been finished to perfectly match receiver. Single spade grip is also parkerized. Rear sight graduated ladder/peep w/ micro adjustable to 2600 yds. Front sight is hooded blade. An important M1917A1 modification was that the top cover incorporates a detent where it could be held in the open position w/ out manual support & is correct on this particular example. Threaded water plugs on bbl. jacket are present & functional, as well as front lower cork assembly which has succumb to age and only partially present. It sits upon a 1917A1 tripod w/ cradle assembly, fully adj. for traverse & elevation. Steel data plate on rear tripod leg reads “NO. 160495”, however aging has affected the clarity of the number itself. It continues “MOUNT, TRIPOD / M1917A1 / MCE. CO, 1942 / R.E.H.”. Markings on Browning right side plate include “No. 716203 OG, BA, FK / BROWNING MACHINE GUN / U.S. CAL. .30 M1917A1 / MANFD. BY ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL / PATENT 1,621,476 / RIA”. MAGS: 4 cloth belts, various lengths & origins.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Steel water chest, marked “CHEST, WATER, M1A1″, measuring 8″x13″x4.5″, Model of 1918 steel belt loading machine w/ wooden chest. Wooden ammo box, mounted in the cradle on the tripod measuring 5″x13″x8”, 1 spare pistol grip, steel w/ wood grip panels.
NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION.
FULLY TRANSFERABLE.
PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Brian Linde
STATUS: CURIO. CLASS III
