This is a Colt manufactured Vickers Model 1915 medium machine gun manufactured in 1917. A refinement of the Maxim design, the Vickers machine gun was a robust and reliable weapon, well suited to the action in the trenches of France and superior in most metrics to America's other options, having a much greater capacity for sustained high-volume fire than magazine-fed light machine guns like the Lewis or Chauchat, and more rugged than other belt fed options. Due to issues converting the 303-chambered design to 30-06, the American Vickers was a relatively late addition to the war effort, not reaching the field in quantity until mid-1918. Hooded blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with the front of the ribbed water jacket marked "VICKERS MACHINE GUN/MODEL OF 1915/COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A./NO 3823/1917 INSPR. 4 J.M.G." and similar model/serial number info on a brass plate at the rear. A prominent muzzle booster is fitted at the front of the jacket, and mixed inspection marks (Belgian proofs on the water jacket, "crown/BNP" on the bolt, "DP" marked bottom dust cover) are present. The receiver is equipped with a right handed charging handle, a pair of checkered "spade" grips with oil brushes, and a thumb trigger with butterfly safety. Included with the lot is a green painted brass Colt tripod with integral T&E carriage, a wooden ammo box with cloth belts, an extra barrel, steam hose and condensation can.

Excellent, with 90% of the original combination blue/parkerized, showing areas of brown patina, mild scratches and light handling marks. Some paint touch-up on the witness marks can be seen on the water jacket. The spade grips are in fine order, and the accessories show wear appropriate to age and use. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is 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.