A variant on the Maxim machine gun, the 1908/15 was a go-to standard for the German Army during World War One, deployed to great effect across countless miles of trenchwork, turning avenues of approach into deadly obstacles. Like most of the powers participating in the War, the Germans needed to come to terms with the rise of heavier than air flight, figuring out how to put the new technology to best (read: deadliest) use. The machine gun emerged as the best weapon for air-to-air action the technology of the era allowed, with both sides putting their rapid fire guns in the air. Light machine guns like the Lewis could go airborne with little modification (and in the first known case, none, as it was just carried by an observer who fired it from the shoulder), but heavy machine guns like the Maxim needed more work. Firing mechanisms were modified, mounting brackets were attached, and most critically the water jacket was cut open to reduce weight and expose the barrel to fast-moving air for cooling. The blade front sight is absent, with a simplified folding single leaf sight arrangement on the top cover, the standard muzzle device on the end of the heavily perforated jacket, modified charging handle with a hinged hold-open device and safety mechanism and a pair of mounting brackets. The tension mechanism bears the Spandau model markings. A non-factory, custom made hardwood pistol grip is mounted to the rear, with a hinge trigger mechanism connected via cable to the actual firing mechanism on the underside. Included with the lot are two extra bolt assemblies, three spare barrels, metal and cloth non-disintegrating belts, folding tripod, cleaning tools and a hardwood transport case.