GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
GERMAN MP40 SUB MACHINE GUN DEWAT CAPTURED IN JANUARY 1945 DURING GERMAN OFFENSIVE (CURIO & RELIC).GERMANMP-40CND300K9 MMMODERN; NFA; C&RCal. 9mm. 9.9" bbl. This MP40 is a combination of two different SN guns put together. This gun is exactly as brought back from WWII. Tube, bbl and magazine housing assembly was assembled by Steyr and bears SN 396m and eagle/"623" proof marks. Bolt lower assembly receiver cap and swing out shoulder loop were assembled by Erma and are SN 300k. Receiver cap is marked "MP40/ayf 42" indicating this was made by Erma in 1942. Lower frame assembly is marked "cnd" which indicates manufacture by Krupp in Berlin. Swing out shoulder loop was manufactured by Erma and is marked with eagle/"280". Bolt is marked with eagle/"280" and SN 300k with eagle/swastika final proof. Bbl resting bar and retaining pin are not present. Bottom of bbl marked with eagle/"623" proof mark and shield logo with "bnz/1" proof mark (Steyr). Although bolt moves freely under proper spring tension within receiver and bolt face is excellent, chamber has been plugged with weld. A significant amount of chamber face has been removed during this process. Bbl nut has been spot welded to forward sling ring and receiver tube forward of magazine housing and this has caused a discoloration of metal. For these reasons this weapon is currently unserviceable. Included in this lot are copies of the original documentation authorizing the weapons exit from the European Theater of Operations, a certified copy of the original amnesty registration form, evidence that this weapon was on display at the Army War College Museum, and a document which states that this weapon was used as a display prop in the film Taps (1981) in the movie home of the General portrayed by actor George C. Scott. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval prior to transfer. This weapon is fully transferable on an ATF form 3 or form 4 as Curio & Relic eligible. PROVENANCE: Personal Collection of B.G. (RET) Theo C. Mataxis, Veteran of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, & adviser to Afghanistan forces fighting against Soviet occupation during the 1980s. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is good with about 30% of orig blue finish remaining with otherwise liberal pitting, corrosion and brown patina on metal surfaces. Bakelite of lower assembly is in fine condition with some scratches and handling marks. Hand grip panels have some chips and handling marks but otherwise very serviceable. Receiver tube bushing fastened in place using two indentations in receiver tube forward of magazine housing at 6 and 12 o'clock positions. This is the manufacturing method often seen on Steyr manufactured MP40s. Bbl nut is of two flat side type. Mechanics need attention, but reactivation of this gun could be a straight forward replacement of bbl assembly. Theo C. Mataxis' memoirs indicate it was captured by him personally near Wimmenau from a German artillery Forward Observation team on patrol in January 1945, during which action he was wounded and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart. 52924-7 JWK105 (12,000-18,000)