Known today mostly for heavy trucks and diesel engines, Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg was a German military supplier in both World Wars, being a chief producer of the Panther Tank in the latter. Originally developed by Hiram Maxim in the 1880s, the Maxim Gun is credited as the first true automatic weapon, using the energy generated by firing the round to cycle the weapon. Predating the idea of the air-cooled quick-change barrel, Maxim dealt with the technical challenge of the massive heat generated by automatic fire by installing a water-filled jacket around the barrel, an innovation that would continue to be used for decades afterwards. Fitted with a blade front sight on the water jacket and a tangent rear sight on the top cover, which is also bears the model markings, manufacturer name and address, and the "1918" production date. The accessories are representative of the Imperial Maxim, with the recoil boosting muzzle device, water cooling jacket, crank-adjusted fire rate regulator on the left side of the frame, pistol grip mounted safety, detachable steel bipod and a solid hardwood buttstock.

Very good as deactivated, with over half of the arsenal blue finish, showing areas of brown patina and some scattered dings and dents. The pistol grip and stock are in very good condition. A long steel plug has been welded into the barrel at the breech, and some components (including the bolt) have been deleted during the deactivation process. NOTE: This item is classified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives as an Unserviceable Machine Gun or Deactivated War Trophy (DEWAT) in accordance with the terms of the National Firearms Act (NFA). Before bidding on this item it is the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder/Class 3 FFL holder to comply and understand with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence. Additionally, no assurances are offered that the weapon can be restored.