This is an excellent example of a WWI production Browning Automatic rifle manufactured by the Marlin-Rockwell company circa late 1917/18 that has British proofs. This example was originally manufactured as a 1918 model, but it was subsequently upgraded with a 1918A2 style forward mounted folding bipod, fiberglass buttstock with the hinged buttplate. It still retains the earlier fire control mechanism of "Semi/Full Automatic/Safe" and has no protective magazine wings on the sides of the trigger housing. These rifles were developed and originally issued to the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France during WWI, and during its use it proved to be a highly effective combat assault rifle and light machine gun. They remained in US inventory and were reissued during WWII and even into Korea. They were extremely reliable and highly accurate with the only major drawback being their short 20 round magazine. As noted the receiver is marked for the two positions selector switch: "F" for semi-automatic fire and "A" for automatic fire. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped in five lines: "BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE/- U.S. CAL. .30. MODEL 1918 -/- MAN'F'D. BY MARLIN-ROCKWELL CORP./ 257799/- PATENT MAR. 28 1918 NO.1176873" . Additionally, just ahead of the markings on top of the receiver is a small "Shell and Flame" Ordnance proof along with a "Eagle Head/26" inspector proof. The top front end of the barrel is also stamped with "M/Ordnance Proof/3-19" indicating manufactured by the Marlin company in 1919. This wonderful example is also fitted with the standard WWI 1917 pattern adjustable rear sight and a larger WWII walnut forend with dished in sides. The top right side of the receiver is stamped with a "Crown/BP" proof, and the right rear side of the barrel also has the "raised scimitar/NP" Nitro proof along with ".30 2 1/2 18 TONS". This fine example has a WWII dark parkerized finish overall and is complete with a one original magazine and an original 1918 dated handbook (field manual) for the Browning Automatic Rifle.

Very fine as arsenal refurbished with 98% of a dark charcoal black British arsenal parkerized finish overall with only minor edge and high spot wear. The forend and buttstock are also both in very fine condition with minimal handling marks on the sides. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), Fully Automatic Weapon that is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF&E) that has been classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.