September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
Truly an exceptional specimen of the rare German MP-43/1 machine gun as manufactured by "fxo" (C.G. Haenel) in 1943 with clear "WaA 37" and “cos” (Mertzwerke) proofs on receiver forward of the magazine housing. There are numerous Nazi proofs on this gun including “cos” (Mertzwerke) on the stock hardware, which was a sub-contractor who supplied stamped metal parts for many German weapons. Operating piston and early style bolt (without cut-out) are matching, manufactured by “ar” (Mauser) with factory applied numbers and “WaA 26". Wood butt hardware has clear and very attractive proofmarks. Includes one original “MP-43” “bte” 30 round magazine. The MP43/1 actually was the first evolution from the Mkb-42 and a predecessor to the MP-43. Not only does this model exhibit a fit and finish of the highest standards, but it is recognizable by the longer removable muzzle nut which protected the threads at the muzzle intended for mounting accessories. This is an early iteration of the first true modern “assault rifle” chambered for a shorter than standard rifle cartridge (33 mm vs 57 mm), that, although less powerful than the standard 8 mm German rifle round, was still very effective at up to medium ranges where most combat took place. This allowed the individual soldier to carry plenty of ammunition in 30-round magazines so that the rifle could be effective in close quarters combat for extended period. This was particularly effective when fighting against the robust manpower contained in Russian military formations on the Eastern Front. A vast improvement in sustainable firepower over the standard 98K German rifle. Capable of both semi-automatic and fully-automatic fire with the pressing of a switch at the side of the receiver, this first modern "assault rifle" could fill the role of a deliberate aimed fire weapon, as well as that of a suppressing fire weapon. This rifle was constructed of metal stampings to the maximum extent possible to save production time and cost. Electronic NFA registry indicates “GERMANY” as the manufacturer of this gun. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original finish on metal, exclusive of the of the metal at the toe and heel of the buttstock, which has a more lustrous blue refinish. Wood is attractive with light handling marks and bruises. Original wood grips are extremely fine. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt face near excellent. Mechanics are crisp, smooth and positive. An exceptional specimen of a very difficult variant of the MP-43, MP-44, STG-44 assault rifle weapons of WWII. 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 2024-09-048.