3011

**GERMAN MAXIM MG 08/15 AIRCRAFT GUN WITH PARTIAL SYNCHRONIZATION GEAR INTACT. (C&R)

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
**GERMAN MAXIM MG 08/15 AIRCRAFT GUN WITH PARTIAL SYNCHRONIZATION GEAR INTACT. (C&R)
SN 568. Cal. 8 mm. 28-1/2" bbl. This rare model of the Maxim is an exceedingly unusual find in that it still has its apparently fully functional, synchronization gear attached to bottom of receiver. This gear rotates smoothly and freely, as does the action and feed shuttle. This gun's SN falls right in between the two guns which were documented as being on the plane flown by the Red Baron. The receiver, top cover and feed shuttle are matching in number. The bolt and bolt arm are numbered "998" over the "1" Arabic numeral. Indications are that at some point the bolt, cocking handle and bolt arm were swapped out with another gun. This weapon appears functional, except this weapon is missing fusee spring assembly, fusee cover and the trigger actuator, however the synchronization gear appears to be functional. The aircraft Maxim was made as light as possible so as not to burden the aircraft they were mounted in. Air cooled, with a "swiss-cheese" barrel jacket, they are nonetheless immediately recognizable as a Maxim. The synchronization gear was attached directly to the driving shaft of the propeller, and prevented the trigger(s) (these guns were mounted in pairs), from being pulled when the prop blades would be in front of the muzzle(s). This meant the guns could fire through the arc of the propeller, in direct line-of-sight with the pilot, and greatly enhanced effectiveness and accuracy of fire in combat. PROVENANCE: Collection of Carl "Bill" Morrison. CONDITION: Overall exterior appearance and finish are very good with interior parts rating extremely fine. The exterior is covered with old scale turning brown but the markings are clearly legible. Perforated bbl shroud has places where the metal has been bent slightly but this could be carefully restored. Bore could use a cleaning but rifling is sharp with some corrosion in the grooves. Bolt is excellent, as is the bolt face. Bbl is unnumbered where visible, only showing "Kr 7,9". Bolt and crossbar assemblies show Imperial proof marks. Feed shuttle is very clean and attractive with nearly all of its deep blue finish present. This is a great find for the early WWI aircraft enthusiast. It is difficult to estimate the value as so few orig specimens exist with their synchronization gear intact. 4-48648 JWK5