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AUCTION ITEM
Premiere Firearms Auction (April 25, 26 & 27 2009)
Lot #: 334
Estimated Price: $5,500 - $8,500
Rare and Desirable German WW I Mauser Model 1918 Tankgewehr 18 Anti-Tank Rifle with Ammunition Pouch
LOT SOLD
Serial #: 6061 Manufacturer: Mauser
Model: Anti-Tank Type: Rifle
Gauge: 13 mm Catalog Page: 69
Barrel Length: 39 inch tapered round Finish: blue/bright
Grip: N/A Stock: walnut
Sell Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Condition Rating:  
Description: This is a nice example of a rare and desirable German massive, single shot, bolt action, 13 mm anti-tank rifle. Known as "Elefant-Buechse" (elephant rifle) by the German Army. The Tankgewehr 18 (T-Gewehr) was an up-scaled, single-shot version of the Model 98 infantry rifle equipped with a bipod and pistol grip. The T-Gewehr could penetrate the armor of any Allied tank used during WWI. Some 15,800 T-Gewehr rifles were manufactured in 1918. Most were destroyed after the war because no one brought them home as war trophies (probably because of it's size). The massive 39 inch barrel has a fixed, inverted "V" front sight and tangent rear sight graduated to 500 meters. The receiver is marked with the Mauser Banner and dated "1918". The rifle has a two-piece walnut stock with pistol grip. The rifle serial number "6061" is located on the bipod mount, the left side of the barrel just ahead of the receiver, the left side of the receiver, bolt release lever, trigger guard finial, underside of the stock and the top of the bolt handle. The rear sight, bolt cocking piece, safety, front sight and striker are numbered "061". Imperial proof marks are present on the bolt handle and cocking piece, barrel and receiver, in addition there is a crown script letter proof on the bolt handle and the right side of the bi-pod mount. A "crown/K" and "crown/script C" are marked on the right side of the receiver and 3 "crown/K" proofs appear on the right rear of the barrel. The bottom of the barrel just ahead of the forearm is stamped "KK". The T-Gewehr 18 is a rare and extremely impressive WWI weapon, it is rarely encountered with the original bolt serial numbered to the rifle. Complete with a gray canvas ammo pouch with loops for 20 13mm rounds, leather fasteners and shoulder strap. There is one case and one cartridge in the pouch.
Condition: Very good plus overall. The barrel shows a pleasing even plum brown smooth patina with a few minor "cuts" in the metal. The receiver has a mottled bright appearance. The stock is fine with numerous small pressure dents, gouges and chips in its original oil finish and a slight separation along the right side seam of the two piece buttstock, however remaining solid. All markings are clear. The mechanics are excellent. The pouch is very good with a couple small holes and tight stitching. This is a massive, impressive weapon that would add to any military collection.
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