Deactivated WWI & WWII British Vickers MKI Machine Gun with WWI Tripod - Marked to the Field Artillery

This is an extraordinary First and Second World War issued Vickers machine gun with tripod. The gun was made by Vickers, Crayford in April of 1918 and is one of only 9,999 produced by them with a D prefix in the serial number. In April 1918 they only made just 2,569 guns!  The water jacket is regimentally marked twice; "F.A 6. 35" and then re-issued again "F.A. 11. 41" meaning it was issued to the Royal Field Artillery in June 1935 and then again in November 1941. This alone is an incredible rare marking and provides irreputable evidence that this Vickers was in service with the British army prior to the outbreak of WWII and during the war. The markings on the right side of the barrel jacket also confirm that it was reworked/upgraded in 1934. It may well have seen service with the BEF in 1939 ? If that wasn't enough then the Tripod is a remarkable survivor. Produced in WW1 all major components are First World War dated and maker marked with clear evidence that it has been issued and re-issued countless times whilst in service. The rear leg has suffered several impacts - almost certainly caused by shrapnel strikes. The two holes in this leg are where the service / makers identification plate was once riverted on. The 1915 dated brass cradle was made by R.H.&S. and is marked 303 Maxim - meaning it could also mount the Maxim machine gun converted for the British .303 round, another very unusual feature and marking! The main body is dated 1918 with the makers initials C.C. & Co and rarely seen the forward pivot pin is dated 1916 and is made by S.C.C. All three legs are matching numbers 470 with one foot having several other struck out issue numbers.

The Vickers is synonymous with the Great War but was also fundamental in Britain's WWII efforts and eventual outcome, being used on all fronts throughout the world.

A truly fabulous set worthy of any collection.