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  • Auction Catalog #79
  • Lot #557
Lot #556
Lot #558

Lot 557: BSA Boys Mark I Anti-Tank Gun, Destructive Device, Finnish Army

British Boys Mark I Bolt Action Anti-Tank Rifle with Finnish Army Acceptance Marks and Accessories, Class III/NFA Destructive Device

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: June 5, 2020

Lot 557: BSA Boys Mark I Anti-Tank Gun, Destructive Device, Finnish Army

British Boys Mark I Bolt Action Anti-Tank Rifle with Finnish Army Acceptance Marks and Accessories, Class III/NFA Destructive Device

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: June 5, 2020

Estimated Price: $5,000 - $7,500
Price Realized:
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British Boys Mark I Bolt Action Anti-Tank Rifle with Finnish Army Acceptance Marks and Accessories, Class III/NFA Destructive Device

Manufacturer: British
Model: RB MK I
Type: Destructive Device
Gauge: 55
Barrel: 36 inch round
Finish: parkerized
Grip:
Stock: metal
Item Views: 6457
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 305
Class: Class III
Description:

Developed by BSA and Captain H.C. Boys under the name "Stanchion" and renamed on acceptance in 1937, the Boys Rifle fired a proprietary 55 caliber armor piercing round. Many were converted to 50 BMG after WWII, with few left in the original 55 Boys and fewer still brought back to the States. This example bears a "SA" cartouche on the left side of the receiver, the acceptance proof of the Army of Finland. Though technically aligned with Nazi Germany and the Axis, Finland received material support from some Allied nations during the Winter War with the Soviet Union. While wartime developments in armor technology made these rifles obsolete for their original job, they found use targeting softer vehicles, enemy equipment, and snipers in cover too sturdy to punch through with conventional weapons, essentially becoming anti-material rifles decades before the term would be coined. Fitted with the early "circular" muzzle brake, left-offset blade front and two-position elevation adjustable peep sights and a top loading Bren-style magazine. The barreled receiver is installed in a steel frame with integral shock absorber, folding "T" shaped front monopod, hardwood cheek rest and rear pistol grip, and a canvas shoulder pad with integral oiler. Included with the rifle is a canvas muzzle cover, a canvas receiver cover, and a metal case containing eight extra magazines.

Rating Definition:

Very fine with 95% arsenal parkerized finish, with some shallow pitting and light scuffing concentrated on the barrel. A few thin cracks are present in the cheekpiece, with the grips showing some light scuffing and denting. The buttpad shows some mild wear and staining, with some of the padding material disintegrating. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.



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