One of John Browning's contributions to American arms history, the Browning Automatic Rifle was developed in 1917 and dubbed the "1918" to avoid confusion with Browning's 1917 water cooled belt fed machine gun. A late entry for World War I, the BAR represented the cutting edge of light machine gun technology, and was able to fill a niche with infantry units clear through the Korean War. Blade front and flip-up ladder rear sights, with the barrel marked "C/bomb/11 18" at the chamber, with the "crossed cannons" and "P" stamps on top of the receiver near the 5-line Colt address and model markings, and British "crown/GP" proofs on the right side of the frame and bolt. The 3-position selector switch has "F" (semi), "A" (full) and "S"(safe) position markings on the receiver, with a spring-loaded pin to keep the gunner from inadvertently putting the rifle on safe when flipping the switch from semi to full. Fitted with a checkered forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with a smooth steel buttplate. With five extra magazines, an extra magazine body (sans floorplate and internals), one clip guide, a canvas magazine belt, leather sling and two framed prints of this BAR.

Very fine, with 75% of the arsenal refurbished blue finish, showing areas of mixed brown and gray patina, scattered spotting, and a number of scratches and takedown marks. The refinished wood is fine, with some chipping of the forearm checkering and mild scuffs and scratches overall. Mechanically fine. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.