November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Manufactured by Czechoslovakia as VZ-26 with Czech crest on top of receiver with Czech proof indicating 1936, and bolt proof indicating 1928 dates of manufacture. This cataloger would like to take the opportunity to correct some previous mis-information regarding ZB-26 bolt markings. There is an “HK” within a circle on this and many other observed ZB-26 bolts. Previously reported as being a “Heinrich Krieghoff” rebuild mark incidental to these guns being taken into German service, now after consultation with a noted European arms researcher and collector, this marking now is simply an “unknown” original Czech bolt proof. Even pre-World War II Czech produced guns without evidence of being taken into German service bear this mark on their bolts. Many of this model were captured when Czechoslovakia became part of the German Reich. Whether they were already in Czech military service, produced but not yet delivered as foreign contract, or unfinished at the factory, all were taken into German service. The SS in particular acquired these in the years prior to their being allowed to procure weapons through normal German military channels. This specimen has original Czech manufacturers markings on right side of receiver, “LEHKY KULOMET ZB VZ.26.”, and “CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA, AKCIOVA SPOLECNOST BRNO” on left side of receiver. In addition to non-matching barrel in this gun, 1 spare serviceable non-matching serial numbered barrel and 1 unserviceable barrel with drilled and partially welded chamber are included. 2 spare flash hider assemblies, 3 original Czech proofed magazines and a magazine loader are also included with this lot. Electronic NFA registry indicates “CZECH REPUBLIC” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original lustrous finish on receiver and barrel with some thinning/mottling to a grey and brown patina, with the metal of the lower assembly near the stock thinning to more a grey patina. Buttstock hardware and particularly the buttplate is much more brown with moderate pitting. Barrel release latch a grey patina. Gas cylinder tube extremely clean. Buttstock and handgrip wood are fine with handing marks and a slight split on right handgrip. Bore of one barrel is extremely fine, shiny, and bright with some darkness in the grooves. Second serviceable barrel somewhat darker with green verdigris at gas block. Deactivated barrel has no handle, and is drilled through both sides of chamber and welded at chamber. Bolt is near excellent with Czech crest between “E” and “28” with “HK” within circle proof. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun with “20” “0” “1” at selector. This is a fine specimen of one of the best box magazine-fed machine guns of the World War II conflict. This model very seldom becomes available for public sale as they are almost always scooped up privately when the whisper that a Curio & Relic fully transferable specimen is available. 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 & RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2021-11-072
Accessories
Two spare barrels, 2 flash hiders, spare trigger assembly, magazine loader, 3 magazines total
Manufacturer
CZECH REPUBLIC