This is an exceptionally rare, very early Colt experimental/prototype Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) as manufactured circa late 1917/1918. This was a revolutionary fully automatic rifle that was developed by John Browning in 1917 that was adopted by the Army in 1918. John Browning was working for Colt around time it was manufactured. It was a man portable, highly reliable weapon that served in that end of WWI, throughout WWII, Korea and into Vietnam as used by the ARVN. This example is certainly one of the very early experimental or preproduction models as there are only a few markings and they are all hand stamped on top of the receiver. It is also stamped with the typical early factory experimental serial number of "XM20973". After being adopted by the US Military, all initial production was performed by the Winchester factory with Marlin-Rockwell and eventually Colt coming on line before the war ended. At the end of WWII all three companies had manufactured approximately 52,000 guns. After WWI, Colt continued to manufacture a commercial model (1918) that was extensively used by State and local Law Enforcement, as well as the fledgling F.B.I. It even saw favor with the gangsters of the 1920s and 30s, especially Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. As noted this example has the hand stamped markings on top of the receiver that read: "XM20973/COLT PAT. FIREARMS/HARTFORD, CONN.". It has all the early features such as the all blued metal finish with the internal components in the white. It is fitted with a very early (preproduction) rear sight that is graduated 2-28 (200-2800 yards) just like the 1903 Springfield rifle, with a fixed blade front sight. It is also fitted with the very early squared and fully checkered forend, a walnut buttstock with the small pistol grip area and a smooth steel buttplate. It has early front sight base with no protective ears for the front sight with no provisions for a flash hider or bipod. It is complete with one high polish blued magazine, a jeep mountable leather storage case, canvas gunner's ammunition belt dated 1918, assistant gunner's ammunition belt dated 1918 and 2 metal ammo cans (empty) mounted on vehicle rack.

Exceptionally fine with 95% of the blue finish overall showing light wear and handling marks overall with some blue loss on the top of the receiver and the top section of the exposed barrel around the gas block where it was handled. The forend is very fine with a nice dark color overall showing minor/light handling marks in some areas with nice distinct/sharp squared type checkered pattern overall. The buttstock is in good condition with a nice matching dark color showing minor light scratches on the rear sides of the buttstock with a long six inches stress crack beginning at the rear of the receiver progressing to the middle of the buttstock. This is an extremely rare and possible one of a kind early experimental class III/NFA Colt BAR fully automatic rifle. Consignor states it is fully operational. 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.