This is a very fine example of a WWI era original Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) with British proofmarks. Originally developed in late 1917, and manufactured by Colt, Winchester and Marlin-Rockwell, this one being from the latter, it was designated the Model 1918 automatic rifle. They were originally issued to the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France during WWI and later reissued during WWII and Korea to both the Army and USMC. Several thousand were also provided to Great Britain just prior to WWII under the Lend-Lease program. They were an extremely reliable and very accurate fully automatic rifle and light machine gun. Based on the serial number and barrel date, it was manufactured in September of 1918, probably in the first or second month of production. This beautiful example retains its original all blued finish, oil finish walnut stock and forend with the bolt mechanism still in the white. It has its original parts and had NOT been converted into the later 1918A2 model. As noted, the right side of the receiver and bolt has "Crown/GP" proofmarks. It still retains its original earlier fire control mechanism marked "F (semi-automatic), A (full-automatic) and S (safe)" with no magazine protective wings on the sides of the trigger housing and the original cross-hatched/checkered forend with a smooth semi-grip walnut stock with no bipod. The top of the receiver is stamped with a Cross-Cannon Ordnance proof followed by "BROWNING MACHINE RIFLE/- U.S. MODEL OF 1918 -/- MAN'F'D. BY MARLIN ROCKWELL/ 29406/-PATENT APPLIED FOR-". The breech end of the barrel has a small "Shell and Flame" Ordnance proof along with a double "Eagle Head/04" inspector proof. The top front end of the barrel is also stamped with "M/Ordnance Proof/9-18" indicating manufactured by the Marlin company in 1918. This wonderful example has the standard 1917 pattern adjustable rear sight. It does not come with any magazine, however they are easy to find on the secondary market. This is an excellent example of an original all blued, original WWI era, Marlin-Rockwell Browning Automatic Rifle.

Very fine with 98% of the arsenal refurbished blued finish overall with only edge and high spot wear. The buttstock and forend are both in excellent condition with only minor handling marks. The only note is that the original long flash hider has been removed and it was replaced with a muzzle thread protector which should be easy obtain/replace from the secondary market. 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.