Summer 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
August 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2026
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!
EXTREMELY COLLECTABLE SMITH & WESSON MK II LIGHT RIFLE
| Cal. 9mm. | S# 2112. | Bbl. 10″. | 26-2305/JZ |
Smith & Wesson began its journey in the light rifle business in 1939 when they were contacted by the British Gov’t. searching for a lightweight military carbine. A very short blowback operated open bolt system was chambered in 9mm Luger which was already common in the British arsenal & prototypes submitted for consideration. Without extensive testing the British Gov’t. placed an order for the new model 1940 rifle, transferring $1,000,000.00 to Smith & Wesson. Shortly after receiving them, problems relating to the more powerful loaded British 9mm ammo started to arise & Smith & Wesson made some immediate design changes. They included the addition of a sleeve over the center of the receiver, both to add strength & dbl. as a safety by blocking the firing mechanism & redesignating the model as the MKII, retroactively designating the previous offering as the MKI. Great Britain cancelled the order a short while later & just over 1,000 total firearms were sold & shipped. At Smith & Wesson just over 200 receivers had been completed & placed into storage & where they sat until the mid 1970s when these rifles were classified by BATFE as Curios & Relics. Just under 150 MKI variants & just under 100 MKII variants were finished & sold in the United States sporting market. Bbl. is fluted & tapered w/ a non adj. front blade sight. Rear sight is adj. for windage & elevation. Firing from an open bolt, the reciprocating charging handle is on the right side at approx. 1 o’clock. Serrated band encompasses receiver behind rear sight acting as a safety when rotated counterclockwise. The unique mag-well loads from the top rear, first is brought downward into place where it is protected by a massive mag-well that doubles as a bottom dumping ejection port. The stock measures 11 1/2″ at its longest point & is capped w/ a metal butt plate serial number to match the rifle. Markings include “Smith & Wesson” trademark logo on rear left side of receiver & serial number on bottom of receiver just to the rear of the trigger guard. MAGS: 1 steel factory 20 rd. (often loaded w/ ease to 21 rds.). PROVENANCE: Military Museum Collection of Shooters Outpost, Hooksett NH. CURIO GUN
