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 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 Westinghouse-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. Included with the lot is a 1917A1 pattern tripod with integral traverse and elevation adjustment, a steam chest assembly with hoses, two extra barrels, assorted small parts, a metal ammo can and a leather reinforced canvas cover.

Very fine, with 90% of the blue finish, showing some sub-surface dings/pits on some components, mild edge/handling wear, and some oxidization on the grip frame and spare parts. Mild verdigris is present on the brass, with some chipping of the grip panels. The steam chest is untested, with some commercial replacement parts, and the tripod shows light wear. Mechanically needs adjustment. 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.