Originally developed by Rheinmetall, the constraints of the Versailles Treaty forced them to go to Solothurn in Switzerland for production, with this example made in 1940. A heavy, machined steel beast of a weapon, contemporary reports list the S-18 as capable of 20mm penetration at 100 yards. While the armor trends of World War II eventually made it obsolete in the anti-tank role, they continued in use as aircraft armament, anti-aircraft guns, and in what is now known as the "anti-materiel" role, smashing up enemy vehicles and equipment. In addition to use by Nazi Germany, the S-18/1000 was also adopted by the Italians, seeing use on the African Front as armament for the L3/35 'tankette', as well as being used by the Italian Social Republic into the last days of the War in Europe. This example has been rebarreled for 50 caliber (exact chambering not noted by consignor, but likely 50 BMG), which makes it a "rifle" as defined by the National Firearms Act instead of a "destructive device"; as long as this rifle is not matched up with an original 20mm barrel, it will not require a tax stamp. Fitted with a folding blade front and adjustable tangent rear sight, with a ported muzzle brake, the model marking and manufacture date on the chamber area, and an integral scope that doubles as the base for the rear sight. A large crank with a rubberized handle serves as the cocking mechanism, with a hardwood grip and a thick, rubberized recoil pad is installed at the rear. The formidable mass of the rifle is supported by a front bipod and rear monopod. Included with the rifle is a hardwood transport case, painted green with Wehrmacht-style white stenciling, eight extra magazines, two magazine transport cases, a collection of leather straps and tool packs, and a 1944 dated parts/accessories list. Provenance: The Allan Cors Collection

Very good as refurbished/rebarreled, with 75% of the high polish blue, showing mild edge wear, light handling marks, and slight thinning. The optics are in good order. Mechanically untested, with the breech stuck in the closed position. The case has a damaged latch and mild wear overall, with the accessories showing wear appropriate to age.