Bergmann LMG15 n.A. (#3645)

[Alan Smith]

I really enjoy WWI-era Imperial German firearms, so I was pleased to recently acquire a Bergmann LMG15 n.A. This firearm was originally registered pursuant to the National Firearms Act in 1934 by an individual in Ohio, and has since passed through a number of collectors' hands. When acquired, the feed block and barrel were missing. The feed block is believed to have been lost/discarded many decades ago. As to the "barrel", it was a solid piece of steel that had been turned on a lathe to resemble a barrel, but was non-functional. As such the gun was (is) currently NFA registered as a "dewat".


A few months after acquiring the gun, I found a nice parts kit (from LMG 15 n.A. #5609) that yielded a complete feed block mechanism and live barrel, both in excellent condition. Thus, I've now been able to add the feed block to my gun. I am currently in the process of "reactivating" the gun via a Form 1 to BATFE; once it is approved, I'll break the welds and remove the "dummy" barrel and put the live barrel in place. At that point the gun should be 100% fully functional, and will have all matching numbered parts (less barrel and feed block) with original finish.


Anyway, I am very pleased with this new addition to my WWI collection. It is very finely crafted and a joy to handle (especially to take apart and appreciate the fine fit and finish). In fact, I would rate the fit and finish as being equivalent to that found on pre-WWI commercial Parabellum pistols . . . . yes, it is that well made!


I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who is knowledgeable regarding these guns and/or may have one in their collection.


I'll start off with a photo of it in my workshop, after having cleaned it up and installed the replacement original (#5609) feed block.

[Alan Smith]

Photos taken outdoors in strong sunlight

[Alan Smith]

Here are the top covers . . . . #3645 from the registered gun, together with #5609 from the parts kit. Interesting to see the spread in serial numbers; my understanding is that only about 6,000 of the LMG15 n.A model were constructed.

[Alan Smith]

Here are a couple of photos showing some of the markings, as well as details of the internals.

[Alan Smith]

All parts are numbered . . . just like you would see on a P.08 produced by the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt during the same time period.

[Alan Smith]

Here are a couple of other views, in an effort to provide views of all aspects of the gun.

[Alan Smith]

Here are a couple of WWI-era photos of the LMG15 n.A in service.

[Forssmann]

wow, now that is a score! Congrats. How is the fitting of the parts? Tight like a luger or a little more loose like modern machine guns?

[Alan Smith]

The LMG15 n.A. utilized the same belt feed drum as did the MG 08/15. The drum hanger is, however, very different for the Bergmann gun. I would sure be interested in acquiring a LMG15 n.A. Bergmann drum hanger if anyone knows of one that is available.


Here are photos showing of the LMG15 n.A drum hanger attached to the gun; I believe this photo is from an example held in a French collection. Also, you can see what the gun looks like when the feed block is missing . . . needless to say, I was really excited to find the missing feed block and barrel as needed for my restoration project!

[Alan Smith]

The level of complexity re: the machining work needed to create this weapon is pretty unbelievable; you can't help but to admire and respect the level of craftsmanship and expertise that went into creating the LMG 15 n.A.


Here are some photos of the feed block, to try to give you an idea of what I am talking about.

[Alan Smith]

Here is the feed block in the gun . . . you can see the close fit.

[Alan Smith]

I almost forgot . . . if anyone is tracking serial numbers of these guns, the barrel that came in the parts-kit gun (#5609) was barrel #3036 . . the parts kit was 100% matching numbers, less the barrel. Barrel #3036 will (when legally permissible under the NFA) be fitted into gun #3645.

[Alan Smith]

A couple of other WWI-period photos for consideration . . . I really enjoy seeing these old guns in the period photos!


Note: All photos were obtained via public domain internet searches.

[rajko84]

Very nice

[RED LION]

great very nice piece and not often seen .