One of John Browning's many contributions to small arms, the 1917 was the American answer to the Maxim-based water cooled guns fielded by the British and Germans for World War One, capable of matching them for volume of fire out in the trenches. The descendants of the 1917, including the air-cooled 1918 and the .50 caliber M2, would be American mainstays for decades, the M2 in particular still remaining a premier heavy machine gun. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with the brass-capped steel water jacket enclosing the barrel, a clamp-on swiveling carry handle, pintle assembly, and a rear pistol grip with smooth panels. The right sideplate bears "crossed cannons" and "FK" inspection marks, with a hand-stamped "RIA" manufacturer, model, caliber, and serial number markings; the markings are of more modern pre-1986 manufacturer's origin. Included with the lot is a green painted hardwood transport case, ammo box, steam hose, and a field mount with integral T&E mechanism. Consignor notes state this 1917A1 was a Stembridge gun as used in Hollywood movies including "1941" (1979) with Dan Aykroyd as Sgt. Frank Tree, and as a backup gun in "The Magnificent Seven" (1960).

Fine, with 70% of the refurbished matte gray phosphate finish, showing areas of thinning and gray/brown patina, mild scuffs and other handling marks. The grips and carry handle show some light handling marks. Accessories are in fine order. 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) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.