**RARE ST. ETIENNE MACHINE GUN MODEL 1907 CAL. 8MM (C&R).

SN 11223. 8 mm Lebel. 32″ bbl. Extremely rare model 1907 St. Etienne mfg in 1916 with brass plate affixed to right side stating “FRENCH MACHINE GUN DONATED BY THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE”. Top of receiver marked “MITRAILLEUSE Mle 1907/St Etienne 1916/No11223”. This gun appears to be matching on all visibly numbered parts and includes the exceedingly rare armored muzzle shield and comes on a Omnibus tripod with hard metal rear seat and brass elevation gear marked “APX 43629” / “OMNIBUS” / “1915”. This massive gun has a brass rear hand grip and feed way integral to bbl shroud system. Despite its unorthodox appearance a noted collector who owns and shoots an example states they function well. Mechanism functions smoothly when operated by hand. This gun appears fully functional. Sights adjust properly. PROVENANCE: Ex-Dolf Goldsmith collection; The class III weapons formerly on loan to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is excellent. 90% blue finish turning to uniform brown patina. High gloss lustrous blue finish on bbl. Muzzle shield has an even brown patina, still very attractive. Brass parts have an even, dull sheen. Recoil spring is clean and in fine condition. Bore is shiny and bright with strong rifling. Bolt face is extremely fine with crisp lines. Tripod has about 95% gray repainted finish with red oxide primer showing through in places. Elevation mechanism operates freely and properly, rest of tripod is painted in employed position and will take a little work to fold it properly. Metal traverse plate showing gradations is loose and in need of reattachment. Brass parts are in good condition. There is some pitting showing through paint but tripod remains a good, stable platform with locking lugs functioning and serviceable. The St. Etienne presents an odd appearance, akin to a machine Rube Goldberg might have designed. As if someone in charge said, “Make me a gun which works well, but don’t infringe on any Hotchkiss patents”. This would make an utterly outstanding display piece for the WWI collector. 4-51703 JWK13 (20,000-25,000) – Lot 1024

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1024	$28,750.00	RARE ST. ETIENNE MACHINE GUN MODEL 1907 CAL. 8MM (C&R). SN 11223. 8 mm Lebel. 32″ bbl. Extremely rare model 1907 St. Etienne mfg in 1916 with brass plate affixed to right side stating “FRENCH MACHINE GUN DONATED BY THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE”. Top of receiver marked “MITRAILLEUSE Mle 1907/St Etienne 1916/No11223”. This gun appears to be matching on all visibly numbered parts and includes the exceedingly rare armored muzzle shield and comes on a Omnibus tripod with hard metal rear seat and brass elevation gear marked “APX 43629” / “OMNIBUS” / “1915”. This massive gun has a brass rear hand grip and feed way integral to bbl shroud system. Despite its unorthodox appearance a noted collector who owns and shoots an example states they function well. Mechanism functions smoothly when operated by hand. This gun appears fully functional. Sights adjust properly. PROVENANCE: Ex-Dolf Goldsmith collection; The class III weapons formerly on loan to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is excellent. 90% blue finish turning to uniform brown patina. High gloss lustrous blue finish on bbl. Muzzle shield has an even brown patina, still very attractive. Brass parts have an even, dull sheen. Recoil spring is clean and in fine condition. Bore is shiny and bright with strong rifling. Bolt face is extremely fine with crisp lines. Tripod has about 95% gray repainted finish with red oxide primer showing through in places. Elevation mechanism operates freely and properly, rest of tripod is painted in employed position and will take a little work to fold it properly. Metal traverse plate showing gradations is loose and in need of reattachment. Brass parts are in good condition. There is some pitting showing through paint but tripod remains a good, stable platform with locking lugs functioning and serviceable. The St. Etienne presents an odd appearance, akin to a machine Rube Goldberg might have designed. As if someone in charge said, “Make me a gun which works well, but don’t infringe on any Hotchkiss patents”. This would make an utterly outstanding display piece for the WWI collector. 4-51703 JWK13 (20,000-25,000) – Lot 1024 Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium**, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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**RARE ST. ETIENNE MACHINE GUN MODEL 1907 CAL. 8MM (C&R).