May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
Incredibly attractive early low number (serial no. 235) Erma manufactured (“27” code) original MP-38 parts on ERB manufactured ribbed receiver registered as serial no. 235 to match German parts. ERB must have somehow acquired an excellent near matching parts kit and then assembled it onto one of his receivers and then registered it. Visible numbers match on front site, barrel, barrel nut, receiver (which has ERB logo and ERB added Eagle proofs. Magazine housing and lower assembly receiver tube. Shoulder loop and magazine housing have added "(Eagle) / 135" proofs. Knurled magazine latch and flip-up rear site are number “630.” Otherwise "(Eagle) / 280" proofs are in numerous locations. Bolt is of the correct hook type and numbered “1482a.” Even the barrel resting bar and trigger have a discernable "(Eagle) / 280” code. The MP-38 is immediately recognizable from the MP-40 because it has a hook forward of the front side hood for the muzzle cap, a hole through the magazine housing ribs machined out of the receiver, and an aluminum pistol grip frame and trigger guard, all as part of an effort to lighten this otherwise machined steel weapon. Dated 1938 at the top of the receiver cap. The original parts on this gun are very early manufactured indeed. No magazine present. The MP-38 (machine pistol 1938 model) was submitted to meet the needs of the German military for a compact burst-fire weapons which originally was primarily to be used by dismounted armor and otherwise vehicle-mounted troops. It evolved into the MP-40 which was far less time-consuming to produce because the latter utilized more metal stampings, including the receiver. 1 original magazine and leather sling is included. Electronic NFA registry indicates “ERB, Charles” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: From the collection of esteemed NFA firearms enthusiast and collector J. R. Moody. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near mint as refinished upon remanufacture. Deep, lustrous blue with some handling marks discernable under refinish. Bore has strong, clean rifling. Bolt face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This is a full-auto only machine gun. The MP-38 model, when found today is one of the most sought and prized of the German World War II machine pistol model. Relatively slow-firing, easy to control, comfortable, and utilizing readily available ammunition. A very attractive specimen indeed. 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. JWK 2022-03-07