Deactivated WW1 Vickers Machine Gun & Tripod

This is a superb example of a First World War Vickers MKI with its correct wartime tripod and cradle. The gun was made by Vickers, Armstrong, Crayford (V.A.C.) in July of 1918. V.A.C. started the F series Vickers in June 1918 and had completed serial numbers F2801 to F4040 in July of that year, and this example is number F3538 from that batch of just 1,239 guns. The tripod is dated 1915 and the cradle 1916, both made by was made by R.H.& S. (Richard Hornsby & Sons, Grantham) who only made 3,000 tripods and cradles in 1915 to 1916. The cradle 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 vast majority of tripods were lost or damaged during the Great War, often being left behind or abandoned by troops during fast moving battles. The gun was of more importance and could be easily detached.

Included with this superb set is a condensing hose, 1924 dated water can, 250 round ammunition belt containing 40 inert .303 rounds and wooden ammo box.