Lot 487: U.S. Colt M2 Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun

A descendant of the Browning-designed M1917 machine gun, the M2 may be the most famous heavy machine gun to ever enter American service, seeing use in all theaters, all branches, and all conflicts from the 1930s onward to the modern day, along with a laundry list of overseas users. The list of uses is extremely broad; infantry machine gun, vehicle armament, anti-aircraft gun, pursuit/fighter plane armament, defensive armament for bombers, and so on, anywhere where a 30-06/7.62mm weapon simply isn't enough gun. This particular M2 is configured for the anti-aircraft role, with a large water-filled cooling jacket permitting sustained fire at fast moving targets. While eventually phased out in favor of heavier radar-guided autocannons and guided missiles, a well-positioned cluster of M2 A-A guns could easily ruin a low-flying pilot's day, while also being brutally effective when turned against ground targets. No fixed sights are included with this M2; a flat plate is attached to the top of the receiver, and the front sight protector on the water jacket is empty, being used only as a reference/attachment point for the included anti-aircraft sight. The Colt nomenclature and "GHD" inspector mark are present on the right sideplate, with a left-side cartridge feed, right handed charging handle, and a "butterfly" trigger with manual safety; the "spade" grips have been removed. The M3 pattern mount, made by the Heintz Manufacturing Company, stands about 56" tall when level, with an 81" wide triangular footprint, and is fitted with a spring-buffered mounting bracket for the gun, a set of brown bakelite handgrips, an onboard ammo drum, and a pair of armored protective plates. Also included is a clamp-on anti-aircraft sight finished to match the mount, water chest with hoses, small canvas/plastic tool cases, steel multitool, period instruction manuals, and a pair of "oven mitt" style protective gloves for handling hot components. Notes from the consignor indicate that this M2 was registered during the 1968 amnesty, a very fortunate circumstance for the collecting fraternity!

Excellent plus, as issued, with 98% plus of the original parkerized, showing scattered storage and handling marks. The water jacket shows mild wear from contact with an A-A sight, with mounting points on the receiver. The A-A mount is in good order, while the water case system is untested. Overall the item appears to be in good order. 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) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.