This is an original manual for Browning’s first machine gun, the Colt M1895/14. It was nicknamed “The Potato Digger” due to the bottom mounted operating lever, which would swing violently back and forth during shooting and literally dig a hole in the ground when deployed in a low position.

The cover has separated in the spine due to the age, but the pages are all there and in very good condition. This manual is full of wonderful, hand drawn period pictures, and helpful hints on operation, disassembly, how to load your machine gun on a horse, how to mount it to an automobile etc. It even includes a centerfold with a beautiful cutaway view of the gun.

These manuals don’t come around very often, especially not in this condition. A very nice piece of firearm nostalgia!