GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE LATE WAR GERMAN WWII MG-34 MACHINE GUN, W/ LAFETTE TRIPOD.GERMANMG-3476638 MMW/TRIPOD, MATCHING OPTICS, and 5 belt segments, and slingMODERN; NFA; C&RCal. .8 MM. 26" bbl w/flash hider. Exceptional late war specimen of the German MG-34 machine gun manufactured by "dot" (Waffenwerke Brunn)complete w/highly sought Lafette tripod w/carrying straps, sling, belts, and w/orig ZF-34 optics marked w/matching SN to gun. Visible numbers on gun appear matching including shroud, top cover, receiver, buffer, buffer cup and stock. Top cover is maker mark "pem," which is an established subcontractor for MG-34 parts. Bolt SN hand inscribed, as is appropriate. Bbl is also orig matching, manufactured by "dot" (Waffenwerke Brunn). Feed tray numbered "7663" (renumber) on left side with mfg "cof". Hand grip also matches SN "63" at front of trigger guard. Bi-pod is of the earlier style w/adjustment knob unnumbered but marked "dfb 1942" w/Eagle over 4 proof mark. Wooden butt has Israeli property mark discernible on right side over "1-56", it also exhibits matching SN, "nvq 45" maker's code and date w/Eagle proof visible left side. Muzzle Bearing exhibits hand inscribed "47". Accessories include orig MG-34 Lafette tripod manufactured in 1939 w/ZF 34 optic, manufactured by the "Artillery Optic Company" Ungarische Obtische Werke, out of Budapest. Black leather carrying straps also included, as well as a rare 250-rd fortress belt, two 100-rd belt segments and 2 contemporary 50-rd belt segments. Optic is textile numbered "7663" which matches gun SN. The MG-34 was a finely made milled steel machine gun which saw extensive use throughout the war and was a popular souvenir for American soldiers. 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. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine. Orig late war gray finish on rear of shroud and top cover w/much more lustrous blue finish on forward portion of shroud, feed block, receiver and rear sight. Buffer and stock attachment cup have more of a faded, yet blued finish. Feed tray also a smooth gray late war finish w/a couple of dings noticeable at left side. Wooden butt has a 3" long crack running parallel to the bore line at top left side, yet remains strong and serviceable. Wood of butt has been coated w/some kind of satin gloss preservative w/left side markings stamped through this protective coating. Mechanics are crisp, extremely fine, brilliant bright bore. It is the opinion of this cataloger that the bbl shroud receiver and buffer, as well as bolt and handgrip are all factory orig matching parts, while the top cover, which is unquestionably orig w/clear orig Nazi proofs has the appropriate pantograph number precisely matching the receiver number, likely a Waffenmeister added number. Tripod is repainted, but it's mechanics are crisp, optics are clear. Black leather pads of tripod very fine w/white textile marker added shield with SS markings on upper pad w/textile marking quotation mark "XII SS Hitler Jungend" on lower pad. This is an outstanding MG-34 ensemble. Everything w/the exception of the butt is unquestionably pre-May 1945. It would be difficult to find a more matching or authentic MG-34 collector's ensemble. The markings on the Lafette pads regardless of whether one accepts them as authentic do not in any way detract from the value of this ensemble. 53166-3 JWK (17,000-25,000)