Manufactured in 1918. A licensed copy of the Maxim Gun, the MG08 was a mainstay heavy machine gun with German forces leading up to and throughout World War One, used to great and brutal effect in the trenches, where the belt fed ammunition and water cooled barrel could maintain a volume and duration of fire unmatched by manually operated weapons. While changes in strategic doctrine devalued water-cooled guns in the Weimar years, the MG08 still had a niche in fixed fortification defense, not fully retiring until the end of World War II. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with the manufacture marks and date on the receiver cover. Two pieces of optional armor have been mounted to the water jacket, one front facing and another protecting the top and sides with a raised shield for the gunner. A mount for an optical sight (sight not included) is installed on the left sideplate above the tension adjustment device, with a pair of textured hardwood "spade" grips and a "butterfly" thumb trigger at the rear. A green painted steel "sled" field mount is included.

Fine, showing 80% of the refinished blue, with areas of rust, brown patina, covered areas of pitting and mild handling marks. A set of replacement bolts are installed on the armor plating, and the rear plate is a bit loose as a result. The grips have been repainted. The field mount is very good. 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.