Manufactured in 1917 by DWM, this is a fine example of the Maxim Machine Gun. While not the first rapid fire weapon to reach the world market, Hiram Maxim's self-named firearm was the first true machine gun, requiring no outside force or power aside from an initial movement of the cocking lever. While the Maxim would have many competitors in the early 20th century, many were following Maxim's lead or copying its features. Originally fielded to good effect in Africa, the Maxim saw heavy use in World War I, especially among the Germans, where the MG08 was used as an infantry machine gun as well as aircraft armament. Fitted with a blade front sight on the water jacket and a flip-up elevation adjustable rear sight, with the cocking lever on the right side of the receiver and a 1916-dated burst rate adjuster on the left. The spade grips are checkered, with a small grease brush in each, and the trigger mechanism is fitted with a spring loaded safety mechanism. A large number of parts and accessories are included with the gun, including a gray painted steel field mount, a heavy steel ballistic shield for the water jacket (origin unknown), belt loading mechanism with case, booster, assorted spare parts, four spare barrels and cases for the gun and field mount.

Very good as assembled (mixed numbers, mainly on the internal parts), with half of the Arsenal refurbished blue finish, showing areas of brown patina and scattered spotting and handling marks. The steam condenser is absent. The mount is good, with some paint loss, the padding stripped from the knee rests and the elevation mechanism in good working order. Some of the spare parts have been painted a silver/gray color. The current barrel has been plugged at the breech, though the gun has not been "deactivated". NOTE: This item is registered with the BATFE as a machine gun, and it is the sole obligation of the bidder to understand and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.