FULLY TRANSFERABLE, C&R, COMPLETE COLT MODEL 1914 “POTATO DIGGER” ON TRIPOD

FULLY TRANSFERABLE, C&R, COMPLETE COLT MODEL 1914 “POTATO DIGGER” ON TRIPOD

03-2018 | Cal. 30. | S# 14180. | 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. It was invented and designed by the firearms genius John Moses Browning. This example was manufactured by the Colt & designated the Model 1914. It was a very early example of a gas operated machine gun, ahead of its time as weapon technology would evolve. In 1914, Colt modified the Model 1895 by replacing the heavy, thick permanent barrel, which had a tendency to overheat and cause “cook-offs,” with a finned barrel that is easily changeable. The Colt Model 1895 with this upgrade modification is called the Colt Automatic Gun Model 1914. The heavy barrel, measuring almost 1″ 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″. The top of the receiver is marked “MODEL 1914 / COLT AUTOMATIC GUN / MANUFACTURED BY / COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” w/ serial number “14180”. Barrel marked “CAL. 30 / No. 14180 / BROWMIMG PATENTS / PATENTED IN THE UNITED STATES / JULY 30, AUGUST 20, 1895.” 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 elbow-board is present. 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: Colt belt loading machine, constructed of steel & brass, marked: COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A. / BROWNING PATENTS / PAT’D OCT. 23, 1900 U.S.A. PAT’D. JAN. 4, 1900 ENGLAND” on brass body, in wooden storage / transport crate. NFA registry lists Manufacturer as “COLT” and the caliber as “303”.  NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE.PROVENANCE: Military Museum Collection of Shooters Outpost, Hooksett NH. STATUS: CURIO CLASS III.