GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
EXQUISITE AND EXTRAORDINARILY RARE WORLD WAR II M SS 41 ANTI TANK RIFLE MANUFACTURED BY CESKA ZBROJOVKA. CESKA ZBROJOVKA SS 41 2922 7.92x94MM MODERN; C&R Cal. 7.92x94mm Patr. 318. Extraordinarily rare M SS 41 anti-tank rifle as used by the Waffen SS in WWII. The "PzB M. SS. 41", anti-tank rifles were developed specifically to use the German PzB 39 7.92 x 94 mm Patr. 318 cartridge by CZ from a pre-war 15 mm design (for the 15 x 104 mm ZB vz. 60 MG cartridge) devised for the Czech Army. The M SS 41 rifles were made during German occupation of Czechoslovakia at the Waffen Werke Brunn (Brno) facility specifically for SS formations. The M SS 41 is one of the first small arm bullpup designs used in any major conflict. The unique action employs a forward moving bbl, operated by turning the trigger/handgrip group, with fixed standing breech having massive multi-tooth interrupted thread closure behind the magazine. Only about 3,000 are known to have been made with probably only about a dozen surviving examples known. This particular PzB is only 10 numbers later than a specimen which was sold in our Spring 2014 Firearms auction. Left receiver is marked with the "Z" within rifle bbl trademark of Ceska Zbrojovka as well as a very prominent and orig "M.SS 41", a Nazi eagle/swastika firing proof, and the "SS" acceptance mark, a National Socialist Eagle over "SSZZA2" (SS Zentralzeugamt 2). The rifle is missing its firing pin, firing pin spring and part of the inner mechanism, which prevents the flip-up butt from properly latching in place. The action and bbl is packed with a taffy like consistency grease, and this rifle is currently non-fuctional due to these parts not being present. However, it retains its orig magazine, sights, bi-pod (derived from the ZB vz. 26/BREN pattern), leather carrying handle & leather reinforced padded buttstock. All exterior parts appear to match the SN of the gun. Rear sight has fracture on the left side which could be repaired. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is a combination of areas of cleaned scale on bbl from poor storage to mint unfired. Magazine retains about 85% finish, thinning to a gray patina in places. Bbl retains about 80% finish with some areas of cleaned scale revealing gray metal. Leather carrying handle extremely fine and serviceable, just starting to flake. Leather cheek pad and butt pad also in extremely fine condition starting to wear at the edges. Bore appears mint with orig grease. Mechanism also appears near mint. Bi-pod has one slightly bent left leg which could be straightened. Wooden pistol grip near excellent. These rifles are very popular candidates for making new bbls for recreational shooting. Although very scarce, the person who has access to examples or line drawings of the orig mechanism parts would be well advised to snap this specimen up as these are exceedingly interesting and well made historic specimens from WWII. 51825-1 JWK (10,000-15,000)