April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
1942 manufactured classic German machine gun marked "fxo 42" on end cap with numerous Nazi proof marks throughout. Receiver exhibits both "WaA44" (Merzwerke) and eagle over “37” proofs indication Mertzwerke supplied the receiver tube to C.G. Haenel who assembled and finished the weapon. Mertzwerke was a subcontractor for sheet metal parts for many German weapons including the MP40. Serial number is 5427o; visible numbers appear matching on all visible parts as well as the bolt, which has very clear and attractive eagle over “37” followed by serial number followed by Nazi eagle over swastika firing proof visible when bolt is in the rear position. About the nicest set of original bolt markings this cataloger has ever seen on any MP-40. From the front sight hood to each side of the swing out should loop every number corresponds to the receiver serial number. Barrel resting bar not present but originals are available and were not numbered. On the barrel where the resting bar would normally cover is eagle over “37" with number “2904B” which is not the barrel serial number as the correct matching number with eagle proofs is right where it should be on the left side of the barrel. One 32 round magazine is included. The MP40 was designed to be a compact burst fire weapon originally intended for dismounted vehicle and armor troops but as time passed it was fielded in ever increasing numbers to all unit formations. It was a highly prized souvenir for American Soldiers to bring home. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish are very good to fine. Over 75% original blue finish thinning in places to a grey patina, particularly at the high edges. Bakelite has some light handling marks. Bore is extremely fine, shiny, and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This is a fully automatic only machine gun. An especially nice all-matching German World War II collectible which is seldom seen with such clear and unquestionably original proof marks. A benchmark specimen of what “right” looks like, worthy of even the most advanced collection. 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. JWK 2019-04-103