This is an outstanding example of a very desirable WWII M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) design, as manufactured by the New England Small Arms Corp. The original design of the rifle was developed by John Browning in 1917 to meet the requirements for a man-portable, fully-automatic, rifle for the infantry. These BARs are considered the original Squad Automatic Rifle (SAW) at the platoon and infantry squad level and played a significant role on all the major battlefields during WWI, Korea and even into Vietnam. This weapon was another extremely successful design by the legendary John Browning, that was exceptionally well made, robust and functioned flawlessly. During WWI these weapons were produced by only three companies; Colt, Winchester and Marlin-Rockwell, then subsequently during WWII, produced by Marlin and the New England Small Arms Corp. As noted this specific BAR is a WWII model manufactured in the later M1918A2 configuration, which allowed the rifle to be fired in a slow rate of fire mode by rotating the selector lever to "F"; for the 350 rounds per minute or moving the lever to the "A" for full automatic . The additional modifications that were employed on this version are the barrel mounted bipod with the flat feet, and the hinged buttplate with this specific rifle being fitted with a later, short prong type flash hider (similar to the T-37 used on the M1D sniper rifle). The front end of the barrel is marked "N.E./ Ordnance Bomb / 8-43" indicating manufacture in Sept. 1943. The top of the receiver is marked as follows: "BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE,/ U.S. CAL. .30 MODEL OF 1918 A2/MFD. BY. NEW ENGLAND SMALL ARMS CORP. 515648/ -------PATENT APPLIED FOR-------" there is also a small ordnance bomb proof on top of the barrel along with a Crossed Cannon Ordnance acceptance proof on the front edge of the receiver. This rifle is also fitted with a late pattern stock that was manufactured of the high impact black plastic resign or fiberglass and it is fitted with the later 1919 style rear sight that is graduated from 200-1500 yards and is fully adjustable for windage and elevation with a blade front sight. The rifle has an original light gray GI style parkerize finish on all the metal parts and is fitted with the walnut forend and later style buttstock with the hinged buttplate. It is complete with an original bipod, sling, one 20 round magazine and canvas barrel cover.

Near mint with 99% plus of the GI style light gray reparkerized finish on all the metal surfaces with no visible wear. The forend and buttstock are also both in excellent condition and show only minor handling marks. The markings are clear and sharp. As noted this rare BAR rifle is a fully functioning Class 3 weapon that is currently listed as a dealer sales sample only.