1026

SCARCE VICKERS PEDERSEN SEMI-AUTO MILITARY RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 14,000.00 USD
SCARCE VICKERS PEDERSEN SEMI-AUTO MILITARY RIFLE.
Cal. 276 Pedersen. S# 45. Bbl. 24". Aperture rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation. Blade front sight. Receiver marked on left side "PEDERSEN SELFLOADER PA VICKERS-ARMSTRONGS. LPD". Receiver ring is marked on top with partial "02" in an oval. Bolt head has what appears to be a partial recumbent lion. This rifle was manufactured in England after Vickers-Armstrong had tooled up with the assistance of John Pedersen. Vickers had been watching the trials of these rifles in the U.S. and felt the U.S. was close to adopting the design. Vickers wanted to be in a position to promote and sell these rifles in Britain and other countries. The design is considered a hesitation blow back and does not rely on gas or recoil to function. It does however utilize a lubricated cartridge which was not looked upon with great favor by ordnance officers as they felt the wax could attract dirt and cause malfunctions. Loading is accomplished by a 10 rd. en-bloc similar to the Garand design. Unmarked walnut stock with pistol grip, grasping grooves and ventilation openings in the bottom of the forend. Stock has standard sling swivels. Upper band mounts a bayonet lug and stacking swivel. Stamped, cup type buttplate w/ impressed checkering. Sheet metal upper handguard with ventilating holes. Tan leather US type 1907 sling marked "B.T. & B. COS". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: includes sealed box of 20 cartridges in tan box with red band markings include "BALL CALIBER 276" and "FRANKFORT ARSENAL 1929". Box is in good condition with light wear and loose staple on one in flap. CONDITION: stock has light wear and scattered handling marks throughout with arsenal rework type finish. Wrist has extensive crack with doweled repair. Buttstock has several fine cracks visible on both sides which show gluing in the lightning holes when buttplate is removed. Notable large dent on left side over magazine well and dents on right side below grasping groove. Metal retains 75% thinning blued finish with wear and scattered handling marks. Magazine has added cold blue. Windage knob has small missing segment. Bore has well worn rifling with hint of darkening in grooves. PROVANANCE: from the Estate Collection of Thomas J. Mulligan. (23-4918/RW). CURIO. $8,000-14,000.