Originally developed by John Browning, the water cooled Model 1917 machine gun was in many ways the American answer to, and improvement on, the 1906 Maxim Gun deployed by the Germans. Variations of the 1917, especially the air-cooled 1919 Model, would serve as the go-to medium machine gun of America's armed forces through the bulk of the 20th century, and the basic structure would be developed and refined to create the M2 heavy machine gun, which stands to this very day as one of the best weapons in its class. This example was re-manufactured by the firm of Douglas L. Oefinger of Stamford, Connecticut, using a combination of new-made and military surplus components. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with a set of Rock Island Arsenal-style nomenclature on the right side plate above the DLO address, a brass-capped steel water jacket, and a rear pistol grip. Threaded water plugs on barrel jacket are present and functional, as well as the front and lower cork assembly. It sits on a 1917A1 tripod with cradle assembly in O.D. green with leather strap. All T&E adjustments are good and smooth. A pair of hardwood transport cases, steam hose with correct couplings, a stenciled steel water can, wooden ammo crate and a number of spent rounds loaded into disintegrating links are included.

Very fine professionally remanufactured, with 98% plus parkerized finish, showing some light scratches, dings and handling marks. The pistol grip shows a mixed gray patina with mild spotting. The accessories are in fine order, with mild wear and handling overall. 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.