**MARLIN POTATO DIGGER ON TRIPOD (C&R).

SN 499. Cal. 30-06, bbl 28″. This Marlin “digger” is registered as Marlin 1917 and includes, in addition to the functional bbl on the gun SN 1669, the original bbl SN 499 which has been plugged at the chamber with weld. Also included in this lot is an original brass head tripod and metal ammo box. The diggers unique system utilized a piston operated by gas from the bbl pushing downward on an operating lever which would function the action. When close to the ground, this piston lever would dig into the ground causing the soil to fly, hence the name “potato digger”. The Marlin is generally considered to be a superior manufacturer of the “diggers”. Firing mechanism functions smoothly when operated by hand. This weapon appears fully functional. PROVENANCE: The class III weapons formerly on loan to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine with over 90% deep blue finish remaining turning gray, especially on the front sight hood and on the top of the bbl and receiver near the lettering. The bbl numbered to the gun has less finish remaining, more like 70%, with loss of finish to the high points and wear where the bbl meets the front retaining ring. Bore of bl on gun is shiny and bright with strong rifling with just some slight pitting in the grooves. Bolt face is fine. Internals are in good serviceable condition. Unable to determine condition of other bbl bore due to chamber being welded shut. Wooden handles on grip are an attractive brown color and in good serviceable condition with some dings and handling marks. Tripod and ammo box retain about 90% green drab paint with areas of brass showing on the head and brass base as well as on the elevation knob. Wooden paddle in fine serviceable condition with no cracks and it too retains over 90% of its green painted finish. Cover retaining belt on ammo box has been neatly cut 3″ above the buckle but what remains is serviceable. This gun is a must have for any machine gun collection that wishes to include US WWI machine guns. 4-51747 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2006

Auction: Firearms - March 2015

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
	2006	$16,100.00	MARLIN POTATO DIGGER ON TRIPOD (C&R). SN 499. Cal. 30-06, bbl 28″. This Marlin “digger” is registered as Marlin 1917 and includes, in addition to the functional bbl on the gun SN 1669, the original bbl SN 499 which has been plugged at the chamber with weld. Also included in this lot is an original brass head tripod and metal ammo box. The diggers unique system utilized a piston operated by gas from the bbl pushing downward on an operating lever which would function the action. When close to the ground, this piston lever would dig into the ground causing the soil to fly, hence the name “potato digger”. The Marlin is generally considered to be a superior manufacturer of the “diggers”. Firing mechanism functions smoothly when operated by hand. This weapon appears fully functional. PROVENANCE: The class III weapons formerly on loan to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine with over 90% deep blue finish remaining turning gray, especially on the front sight hood and on the top of the bbl and receiver near the lettering. The bbl numbered to the gun has less finish remaining, more like 70%, with loss of finish to the high points and wear where the bbl meets the front retaining ring. Bore of bl on gun is shiny and bright with strong rifling with just some slight pitting in the grooves. Bolt face is fine. Internals are in good serviceable condition. Unable to determine condition of other bbl bore due to chamber being welded shut. Wooden handles on grip are an attractive brown color and in good serviceable condition with some dings and handling marks. Tripod and ammo box retain about 90% green drab paint with areas of brass showing on the head and brass base as well as on the elevation knob. Wooden paddle in fine serviceable condition with no cracks and it too retains over 90% of its green painted finish. Cover retaining belt on ammo box has been neatly cut 3″ above the buckle but what remains is serviceable. This gun is a must have for any machine gun collection that wishes to include US WWI machine guns. 4-51747 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2006 Auction: Firearms - March 2015 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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**MARLIN POTATO DIGGER ON TRIPOD (C&R).