September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
This is a Steyr-manufactured MP44 manufactured in 1944 with visible matching numbers, including buttstock hardware, and electro-penciled bolt and operating rod. One can discern a large “n z” forward of magazine well (part of bnz which was the Steyr code), Non-"cut-out" recessed extractor bolt has lightly electro-penciled “8616” which matches serial number. The operating rod is also electro-penciled “8616”. This cataloger has seen unquestionably original, as-brought-back-by-veteran, MP-43s, MP-44s, and STG-44s, which have had both factory-applied serial numbers to bolts and operating rods as well specimens with electro-penciled serial numbers on same. This particular gun was amnesty registered, and the original amnesty registration form is included with this lot. This gun has only been transferred twice since amnesty registration (once to a dealer, and then from that dealer to Morphy's for auction). This cataloger is willing to state, based upon experience, that this gun's components are all as they were since Pre-May 1945, and have not been altered. Potential bidders are at liberty to make their own judgments about such things and bid accordingly. 1 original 30-round Nazi "fxo" and "MP44" marked magazine is included with this gun. The MP44 was developed to be an "all-purpose" weapon chambered for an intermediate cartridge falling between the full-power 8mm rifle cartridge, and the 9mm pistol cartridge. 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 which was much needed by the Germans on the Eastern front against the Russians. Much has been written about the development of this model, but the concept was to manufacture this rifle utilizing metal stampings to the maximum extent to save production time. Electronic NFA registry indicates “Germany” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine, original blued finish with honest “soldier wear” to both gray patina, especially at the high edges with much more coverage on the handgrip assembly. Wood buttstock is of the lower profile 4 - 3/4" high at the butt, and is in extremely fine to near excellent condition. Bolt face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. Ammunition has become available in recent years, and anyone who shoots one of these guns will attest to their excellent firing characteristics. This is an excellent collectible MP-44, suitable for any discerning machine gun collector, and will be loads of fun to shoot upon occasion. 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 2023-9-51
CORRECTION: The bolt does match the gun.
Caliber/Bore
7.92x33mm Kurz
Paperwork
Amnesty registration, State registration