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  • Auction Catalog #70
  • Lot #2480
Lot #2479
Lot #2481

Lot 2480: Post-WW II U.S. M37 Full Auto Class III C&R Light Machine Gun

Scarce Post-World War II U.S. M37 Fully Automatic Class III/NFA C&R Light Machine Gun with Cradle and Tripod

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Lot 2480: Post-WW II U.S. M37 Full Auto Class III C&R Light Machine Gun

Scarce Post-World War II U.S. M37 Fully Automatic Class III/NFA C&R Light Machine Gun with Cradle and Tripod

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Estimated Price: $12,000 - $19,000
Price Realized:
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Scarce Post-World War II U.S. M37 Fully Automatic Class III/NFA C&R Light Machine Gun with Cradle and Tripod

Manufacturer: Saco Lowell
Model: M37
Type: Machine gun
Gauge: 30-06
Barrel: 24 inch round
Finish: parkerized
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 9437
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 232
Class: Class III
Description:

This is an example of a very desirable, late production M37 light machine gun. This model was developed in the late 1940s/early 1950s, by SACO-Lowell Division that was basically an updated/improved Browning 1919. Improvements were made to the bolt and feed mechanism that allowed it to be switched from a left to right hand feed, which made it a perfect candidate for use as a coaxially mounted tank machine gun. They were primarily used on the M48 and M60 Patton medium tanks. It was also still employed in a flex-mounted version as an infantry weapon when equipped with the standard sights mounted on top of the receiver and a tripod of some type. It has the standard medium weight barrel with a perforated barrel jacket with this example being a "flex-mounted" version as it is equipped with the tangent rear sight, a side mounted cocking lever and is mounted in a 1917A1 cradle and tripod. The side of the receiver is marked: "No. 6917 U.S. INSP. RRA/GUN MACHINE CAL .30 M37/U.S. PROPERTY/MFG. by SACO-LOWELL SHOP/ BA4 - 4/69". The right front side of the receiver is also stamped with a very small: "INTER-AMERICAN/IMPORT-EXPORT CO.". The cradle includes the T&E mechanism and both the cradle and tripod both have a small US Ordnance Shell and Flame proofmark. This includes one cloth machine belt.

Rating Definition:

Very fine as refurbished with 95% of the gray parkerized finish remaining overall. The cradle, tripod both retain 90% of their green/gray painted finishes overall. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is 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.



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