'Semi-automatic rifle' by Browning, c. 1935

A very rare and unusual double life-size model of the Browning semi-automatic rifle, manufactured to enable a group of trainee Naval recruits to be instructed in the working operation of the gun, its moving parts, disassembly and re-assembly, cleaning and maintenance methods. This example has been entirely restored and overhauled, and repolished back to its original steel and aluminium. The model can be cocked, has a safety catch, sights and a skeleton butt. The ‘magazine’ contains several rounds of oversized green ‘dummy’ bullets, and the gun rests upon a custom stand, which converts into its own travelling case.

Bearing a plaque which reads ‘Manufactured by J.H.Keeney & Co. Inc, 2600 W 50ths Street, Chicago 32 IL, CAL 30m – 1918 – A2, Department of Navy Training Aid Rifle, Marine Corps’.

Dimensions of base: 47 x 15 inches (120 x 39 cms) & length of gun 95 inches (242 cms).

Price Code: ££££

Reference: 5013