This is a very fine example of an original, unaltered WWI German Mauser Tankgewehr 18 (T-Gewehr). These are a fairly rare rifle today as almost all were destroyed after WWI in accordance with the Versailles Treaty. These rifles were known as the "Elefant-Buechse" (elephant rifle) by the German Army. However, the official designation was the "Tankgewehr 18". These were designed in late 1916 in response to the development of British tanks and fired a large 13.2mm round that had the power to penetrate the tanks' light skin. There were some 15,800 T-18 Gewehr rifles manufactured in 1918. These are a massive 37 pound, single shot, bolt action rifle with a huge "16 inch" long receiver made of solid steel with a 3 inch diameter front receiver ring. They are very similar in configuration to an oversized WWI GEW bolt action rifle. The top of the receiver is marked with the "Mauser banner/1918" with several "Imperial Eagle" acceptance proofs on the left and right sides of the receiver and the serial number "4401" stamped on the left side. The bolt is completely correct and matching to the rifle and is marked with serial number "4401" on top of the bolt handle. The trigger guard assembly, rear sight, barrel band and stock are also all correctly matching (4401). The barrel is fitted with a standard, fixed, inverted "V" front sight and tangent rear sight graduated "1-5" (100-500 meters). The rifle has a two-piece walnut stock with pistol grip and various Mauser proof and acceptance marks on the sides of the buttstock along with the serial number stamped on the underside. It is complete with the original, detachable steel bipod which is correctly fitted to a lug, on the underside of the front barrel band.

Very good overall with the exposed metal surfaces all having a dark brown patina and with clear discernable markings and proofs. The bolt body is still in the original, bright Mauser polished finish with the bolt handle and cocking knob also have a dark brown patina. The stock and pistol grip are both original to the rifle and have clear proofs and markings on the sides and underside mixed with numerous heavy pressured dents and dings from being used and carried in the trenches during WWI. A very good, all original WWI Imperial German Mauser T-18 Antitank rifle.