Lot 135:
U.S. Browning M1917A1 .30 Caliber Wooden Ammunition Chest
Description
Original U.S. military wooden ammunition chest for the Browning M1917/M1917A1 .30 caliber machine gun, retaining its olive-drab finish and black stenciled “CHEST 49-1-84” designation.Constructed of heavy wood with dovetailed joints, hinged lid, forged metal latch hardware, and a web carrying handle recessed into the top. The interior retains the distinctive three-cartridge orientation stencil, indicating the proper direction for loading the linked or belted ammunition.This example represents the later configuration of the M1917 ammunition chest, incorporating features associated with the M1917A1-era pattern, including the square lower profile and web carrying strap. Similar chests remained in U.S. service beyond World War I and into the World War II period before wooden ammunition chests were progressively replaced by metal ammunition cans. International Military AntiquesThe chest exhibits expected service wear, including scratches, edge wear, finish loss, minor oxidation to the metal fittings, and wear to the web handle. The original hardware and identifying stencils remain present and display well.
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