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LOT 3569 Scarce World War II Walther G41(W) “Push Button Bolt Release” Semi-Automatic Rifle - Serial no. 4641ac, 8 mm cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood stock. This is an extremely rare and early production G41(W) rifle that was manufactured in late 1941 or early 1942 by the Walther factory. One of the earliest German attempts to field a semi-automatic battle rifle, the G41 used the Bang gas trap system, which uses a pressure chamber around the muzzle to capture spent gas and drive a full length rod in the forearm to strike the bolt carrier. While the system worked, it was intricate and not sufficiently robust, and would be phased out in favor of gas port operation, much like it’s American counterpart/rival the M1 Garand rifle. This is an especially
early variant, using a side-mounted release button for the bolt catch, a feature eliminated at some point in the 7500 serial number range and not revived in later models. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with “G41(W)” on the left side of the receiver, along with “eagle/swastika” and “eagle/359” proofs. The stock is hardwood construction with a brown resin handguard and a cupped steel buttplate, stamped with Eagle and “359” proofs on the belly and sides. CONDITION: Very good, with 30% of the original blue finish, showing areas of gray patina on the receiver and gas system, brown and gray on the barrel bands and the replacement, currently unnumbered magazine, and scattered mild spotting and handling marks. The stock is good, with numerous dents and scratches, including a roughed-up patch on the right side. Mechanically fine. These G41(W)s are seldom found in any condition. Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
SIG factory was able to rise to the challenge of building a machine that had to fit together like a fine watch and
still be able to stand up to the rigors of combat. In spite of its origins, very few Mondragons made it to North America, with only 400 of the Model 1908 rifles reaching Mexican shores before the Revolution broke out, and the rest sold to the Germans, who often outfitted them with drum magazines and issued them to observers/gunners on early airplanes. This example is equipped with the appropriate latch to accommodate the use of a drum magazine and
no Mexican or German military nomenclature or examination markings can be found. Blade
front and ladder rear sights, with the adjustable gas port assembly mounted on the end of
the forearm just behind the bayonet lug and a fixed blue magazine. The stock is smooth hardwood, with “81.75” stamped on the left side near the magazine, blued fittings, a straight wrist, and a hardwood extension that takes the length of pull up to about 14 inches.
CONDITION: Fine, incomplete (see below) with 80% plus original blue finish, showing mild wear and handling marks overall, along with a small amount of spotting. The otherwise very good modified stock shows numerous scratches and dents, plus the aforementioned pieced butt extension. Some components are absent, including the receiver endcap and the bolt carrier.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
Collector’s Fact
Only 400 Mondragon Model 1908 rifles were delivered to Mexico prior to the start of the Mexican Revolution.
LOT 3570
Desirable Swiss Mondragon Model 1908 Semi-Automatic Rifle - Serial no. 456,
7 mm cal., 25 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Designed by Manuel Mondragon, Mexican Army Colonel, artillery
officer, and noted military arms designer, the Mondragon series of rifles were the first semi-automatic long guns adopted by a national military. A very intricate weapon requiring precise mechanical tolerances, the manufacture of the Mondragon was sourced to Switzerland, where the
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