The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff‘s Office has donated a 1918 Browning automatic rifle to the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles.

Browning automatic rifles were used during most of the major wars in the 20th century, according to Gary Corippo, who is a director of the museum.

The Sheriff’s Office confiscated the Browning more than 20 years ago. It has now rendered it unusable, and the county declared it surplus property, which allowed the transfer to the museum.

“The weapon has military, historical value,” Sheriff Ian Parkinson said in a report to the Board of Supervisors. He said there is public interest in having it displayed there.

The nonprofit Estrella Warbirds Museum, located at the Paso Robles Airport, is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military aircraft, military vehicles, and memorabilia.

“Our goal, however, is not to glorify conflict but rather to make a future generation aware of the fact our way of life does not come without sacrifice,” the website says.

For information about the museum call 227-0440.