This is a fine example of a WWI German Model 1908/15 Maxim heavy machine gun manufactured by the Spandau Arsenal. This model of heavy machine gun was used by Imperial German forces throughout WWI as a ground mounted version in trench warfare. This machine gun design was originally developed by Hiram Maxim in 1883-1884 and was one of the most influential weapons of the 20th century and certainly belongs in an advanced WWI era military or German arms collection. These were actually the first self-sustaining heavy MG used in any sizeable numbers on the battlefield. It was originally demonstrated in Europe and was eventually adopted by numerous European Armies both before and after WWI, including the British Army, then the Imperial German Army in 1899, and later by Russia in 1905, where it remained in use through WWII. During WWI, it earned the nickname the "Devils Paintbrush" due to the fact that it could literally mow down hundreds of men while charging opposing forces. Originally produced at the Spandau Arsenal and later by the DWM factory due to the demands of WWI. They have a large distinctive water filled barrel jacket that held seven quarts of water which allowed it to have long sustained bursts of fire. This specific MG was produced by the Spandau Arsenal and the top cover is marked "8064/M.G.08/15/Gwf./Spandau/1917". It has the original flip-up tangent style rear sight graduated from 400-2,000 meters, a simple inverted "v" front sight and still retains its original large WWI Maxim steel water jacket. This weapon has mostly all matching numbers on the visible parts, except it is missing the complete bolt assembly (lock mechanism) inside the receiver, as these components were usually thrown away when it was about to be captured. This example has been deactivated by welding a plug inside the chamber area of the barrel and welding the barrel to the inside of the receiver. It is also missing the recoil boost/deflector plate mechanism (located on the front end of the barrel/water jacket) and its bipod and includes an unknown spare rifle barrel.

Very good with 70% of its original blued metal finish overall mixed with a light brown patina with some surface rust. The markings are clear and distinct. It actually looks like it was a battlefield pickup in original condition that just needs some cleaning and oiling. It would make a great battlefield display piece. NOTE: This is a registered DEWAT weapon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, that is fully transferable. It has been classified as a Curio 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.