Deactivated WW2 Vickers MKI Machinegun

This is a fabulous example of a WWII Vickers MKI machine gun complete with original period correct accessories. This example was manufactured in 1944 by Lithgow, who only made 12,344 Vickers during the war. Its fitted with a First World War barrel. Its serial number F2001 dates to June 1918 and is stamped with the initials VSM = Vickers sons and Maxim. The tripod cradle is dated 1943 and is matched to the tripod s/n 9063. Note what looks to be a shrapnal strike to the tripod casting to the left of the serial number which has caused damage. This is also Aussie made by Randwick Tramways (RT). Both gun and tripod have their military painted finishes. Included is a 1942 dated ammo box containing a 1941 dated canvas belt with around 100 inert .303 rounds. A canavs barrel jacket sleeve, sight bracket, 1942 dated Aussie made water condensing hose and a broad arrow stamped petrol can. Plus two interchangable muzzle covers.

 

During this stage of WWII Australia was still in the thick of it fighting the Japanese at sea and on land. Australia had always feared an invasion by Japanese forces who had planed to invade mainland Australia as early as 1942. Although Germany surrendered in May 1945, war with Japan continued until their surrender in August and the formal signing in September 1945 bring hostilities to an end.

 

The Vickers is one of most iconic and instantly recogniseable British machine guns being used is both world wars and continuing in service with the British army well into the 1960s.

 

This Vickers is deactivated with a working action.