May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Absolutely fantastic condition MP-44 marked “fxo” and eagle over “37” which indicates final assembly by C.G. Haenel. Serial number is actually 8876y with manufacture in 1945 as indicated by markings on left side of magazine well. Operating rod was manufactured by Steyr and has partially buffed original electro-penciled number and contemporary engraved “8876” on left side. Bolt with cutout for extractor is JP Sauer manufactured with C.G. Haenel final inspection proof with electro-penciled number “88 (difficult to discern remaining two numbers)”. Buttstock and hand grip assemblies serial numbers match receiver. Gas block was manufactured by “ce” which is J.P. Sauer with C.G. Haenel final proof. One original MP44 marked magazine is included. Scope rail is tack welded to the right side of the receiver as well as held by three screws from inside the receiver which were wound in, dressed off, and staked in the same manner as MG-34 ejector plates. It was common practice for sub-assemblies of these guns to be provided by sub-contractors with final assembly and final proof by one of the major firms. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is exceptionally fine near mint original gray phosphate finish with some slight loss of finish where lustrous finish buttstock hardware fits onto receiver. Mechanics are crisp. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt is extremely fine. Attractive original “fxo” marked laminated buttstock is later lower profile (5” heel to toe) style for vehicle rack storage and has a 1 ½” crack on right side running parallel to the bore line with a 4” scratch on the right side towards the toe. Noted authority John Cross examined this rifle closely and declared the finish to be original and the overall condition to be among the best of the late war specimens he has seen. A truly exceptionally fine example of the German assault rifle which pioneered the use of the intermediate sized cartridge. 1945 dated specimens are rarely encountered. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2020-05-051