Valuation Guides Machine Guns Colt Vickers 1918 11mm
Published: May 26, 2025 | Updated: February 17, 2026
The Colt Vickers 1918 11mm is one of the rarest transferable machine guns, chambered in 11mm French Gras and originally designed as a balloon-busting aircraft gun in WWI.
Curious about how much your Colt Vickers 1918 11mm heavy machine gun is worth? Whether you’re looking to sell or simply understand current pricing, we’ll help you assess the market value of your firearm.
The Colt Vickers 1918 11mm is a highly unusual and rare variant of the water-cooled Vickers gun, chambered in 11mm French Gras and intended for use against observation balloons during World War I. Due to the war ending before widespread deployment, few were produced and even fewer survive in transferable condition.
Origin
United States
Manufacturer
Colt (under license from Vickers)
Caliber
11mm French Gras
Rate of Fire
500 rounds per minute
Mount Type
Aircraft or tripod-mounted
Notable Uses
WWI anti-balloon use, rare collector item
Transferable Colt Vickers 1918 11mm Heavy Machine Guns are highly sought after by NFA collectors and enthusiasts. Value is influenced by originality, condition, variant type and any unique historical markings. Most examples on the market range from $12,000 to $15,000, depending on configuration and provenance.
C&R Eligible Balloon Buster Variant
Estimated Value: $12,000 – $15,000
Market values reviewed by Chris Wing, Lead Firearms Valuation Specialist
Originality:
Transferable Colt Vickers 1918 11mms with original receivers, parts, and factory markings typically command higher prices due to their authenticity and appeal to collectors.
Condition:
Clean, well-maintained Colt Vickers 1918 11mm machine guns in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition will sell for significantly more than worn or modified examples.
Historical Markings / Provenance:
If there are markings or provenance that link your Colt Vickers 1918 11mm to a specific military unit, wartime service, or historical event - collector interest and market value can greatly increase.
Restoration:
Whether your Colt Vickers 1918 11mm has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.
Transfer Status:
Transferrable Colt Vickers 1918 11mms will hold a considerably higher value than their pre-86 or post-86 counterparts.
Receiver Type & Build Origin:
Colt Vickers 1918s built on original recievers are worth more than rewelds, REWATS or sideplate builds.
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