This is an outstanding example of a WWI German Model 1908/15 Maxim heavy machine gun manufactured by the Erfurt Arsenal in 1918.The top cover is marked "358b/M.G.08/15/Gwf./Erfurt/1918". It has the original flip-up tangent style rear sight graduated from 400-2,000 meters, a simple inverted "v" front sight and retains its large steel water jacket and bipod. This beautiful weapon has matching serial numbers (either 358 or 58) on the various parts to include the receiver, top cover and latch, feed tray assembly, internal bolt mechanism and accelerator, cocking lever and back plate. This machine gun was originally developed by Hiram Maxim in 1883-1884 and was one of the most influential weapons of the 20th century. This model became the standard German heavy machine gun in 1899 and was used by Imperial German forces throughout WWI as a ground mounted version in trench warfare. These were actually the first self-sustaining heavy MG used in any sizeable numbers on the battlefield. They were able to lay down a sustained suppressive fire without any other external means other than by the energy generated from the force of firing a round. It was adopted by the British in 1887 and Russian prior to WWI. During WWI, it earned the nickname the "Devils Paintbrush" due to the fact that it could literally mow down hundreds of men in a single engagement. The large distinctive steel water jacket, could hold seven quarts of water to cool the barrel which allowed it to have long sustained bursts of fire. It was capable of firing approximately 500 rounds of sustained fire before the water started to boil and up to 2,000 rounds of sustained fire before the water would all boil off and the jacket had to be refilled. This was quite an astonishing feat in 1915. It comes with its bipod, three metal ammunition belts, a belt loading machine that is contained in a wooden storage box and an original green water can and rubber hose.

Very fine with 85% of its dark blued finish having toned out slightly on the edge and high spots. The bipod is painted in the correct OD green style of paint. The buttstock and pistol grip are both very fine with a nice oil finish. Missing cross retaining pin on back plate. This example certainly belongs in an advanced WWI era military or German arms collection. 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.