Deactivated WWI Vickers Machine Gun with WWI Tripod

This is an extraordinary First and Second World War Vickers machine gun with WWI tripod. The gun was made by Vickers, Erith, Kent in August of 1918 and is one of only 9,999 produced by them with a B prefix in the serial number. From July to September they only made just 2,158 guns! That's on average just 719 per month over the final 3 month production period! Virtually all parts and components on this gun are VAC marked and is fitted with an early steel feed tray mechanism. The Tripod is a remarkable survivor and comprises of some very rare parts. The main body is dated 1918 with the makers initials R.H. & S (Richard Hornsby & Sons. Grantham) but the cradle was made by US firm Colt who produced their own version of the Vickers during WWI the "M1915". During WWII Colt sent around 7,000 of their remaining stocks of Colt Vickers machine guns to the UK under the Lend Lease agreement. This cradle was among that shipment and was accepted into service with the British army in 1941 and marked '41, with the inspectors stamp and broad arrow acceptance. Note the unusual brass bracket/block riveted inside cradle arm, this is unique to Colt made cradles. Incredibly only 12,125 M1915's were ever made and the remaining guns left in British inventory after WWII were deemed obsolete and all were dumped into the North Sea. This makes any remaining tripod parts very scarce indeed!!!

The WWII dispersal code S254 was only used by Portadyne Radio, Portadyne Works, 18-19 Gorst Road, London, NW10.

 

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.

 

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