Originally developed as the Model 1895 by John M. Browning, the "Potato Digger" was an early development in gas-operated firearms, using a gas port near the muzzle of the barrel to power a spring loaded lever arm to cycle the action. This arm, which projects down and out from the weapon with significant force during the firing cycle, is the source of the weapon's nickname. Originally manufactured by Colt, the production of the arm was taken over by Marlin Rockwell, who received the rights, the tooling, and the standing military contracts to the Russian and Italian governments. Primarily used as a training weapon by American forces, the Marlin found additional use as aircraft and tank armament, in addition to being issued to National Guard units and the North Russia and Siberia Expedition Forces sent to intervene in the Russian Civil War. Measuring 42 inches in overall length, the Marlin is fitted with a blade front and a flip-up elevation adjustable rear sight, with a heavily ribbed barrel and a wooden pistol grip. The barrel and receiver are separately marked with the 2-line New Haven address and caliber markings (the archaic "CAL 30 MODEL 1906" on the receiver to distinguish from the earlier 30 Krag and 30-03 rounds), and "J.A.D." on the receiver. A green painted brass tripod is included, properly configured to not interfere with the action arm, with traverse swivel, gear-driven elevation adjustment and a swiveling gunner seat/kneerest.

Very fine as deactivated, with 80% of the bright original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina and scattered handling marks. A few dings are visible on the wood grips, a few light chips on the seat, and 75% of the original green paint finish on the tripod. The arm cycles freely, with the muzzle and breech both welded and a number of internal parts removed/disabled during the deactivation. 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.