Designed by John Moses Browning, the Model 1917 saw combat in the final days of World War One and was America's go-to heavy machine gun for decades. Between the water cooling of the barrel and the rugged Browning design, the 1917 could bring sustained fire with impressive vigor, and in one early demonstration a 1917 was fired for 20,000 rounds without error, immediately fired another 20,000 rounds to show off to the assembled observers, and then traded out for a second 1917 which repeated the entire stunt to demonstrate that the production weapon would be just as good as the demo model. Additionally, the Model 1917 had a legacy in the form of the Model 1919 medium machine gun and the M2 50 caliber machine gun, two of the most definitive automatic weapons of the 20th century. Fitted with a blade front sight and a ladder rear sight, the former installed on the water cooling jacket and the latter mounted to the receiver cover with full windage and elevation adjustments, as well as a fixed battle sight. The flash hider is absent. The five-line Westinghouse maker's mark is present on the right side of the receiver, with smooth panels on the pistol grip. The left side of the receiver bears a metal tag marked "W 138" in red-filled stamping; notes from the consignor attribute this tag as an inventory marker for the Winchester Factory Museum Collection, and while no explicit documentation was supplied this tag is consistent with documented items from the Winchester/USRA/FN factory collection that have been consigned with us in the past. Included with the Browning is a green painted folding tripod with elevation and swivel-adjustable carriage, three hardwood ammo cases, cloth belts, a belt loading tool with transport case, one extra barrel, and a steam hose/water can set.

Excellent, with 98% plus original parkerized finish, showing areas of gray patina, minor surface wear, and mild handling marks. The brass components retain traces of black finish, with a well aged patina on the exposed area. The drain cork for the water jacket is damaged, and the grips show some chipping and scuffing. 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.