GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
GERMAN MG34 MACHINE GUN DEWAT CAPTURED NEAR SAABRUCKEN, GERMANY WINTER 1944-45 (CURIO & RELIC).GERMANMG344650C7.92 MMMODERN; NFA; C&R7.92mm. 24" bbl. This MG34 was manufactured by "dot" (Waffenwerke Brunn) in 1944 and it is so marked on bbl shroud. Top cover, receiver, buttstock and buttstock collar all match in SN. Buffer and bolt match with SN 8797. Top cover marked "bpr" (Grossfuss). Receiver and shroud marked with eagle/"waa63" indicating Waffenwerke Brunn. Bipod is marked "dfb 1944" with eagle/"4" proof mark (Gustloff). Feed tray not present. Museum textile marking at bottom of bbl shroud. Bolt moves back and forth about 4" from forward position within receiver. This weapon has been rendered unserviceable by welding chamber shut and spot welding bbl shroud to receiver below latch where receiver meets shroud slot. Welding of chamber of bbl does not appear to have discolored bbl collar nor to have removed significant amounts of material from chamber itself. Top cover latch does not seat all the way in recess of receiver. This gun was captured by "G" company, 2nd Br, 276th Inf. Reg., 70th Inf. Div. Task Force Herren, near Saarbrucken, Germany and brought home by then LTC Theo C. Mataxis. 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 fine with about 80% blued finish remaining with some areas of pitting on top cover, anti aircraft ring and other spots on weapon. There are scratches to bare metal and much of the finish is turning to brown patina. Notable bullet strike to right front side of muzzle booster which has raised and pushed back metal about 1/8". This does not affect function. Rear sight ladder is missing its sight leaf on right side which has apparently simply been slid off ladder and lost. Buttstock has a 2-1/4" crack from collar straight back to rear at 11 o'clock position. Buttstock also has chips, bruises and scratches but is still serviceable. This weapon, which is in "as brought back" condition with its battle damage and provenance to a noted American officer should be of significant interest to collectors of WWII German arms. It would not take too much effort to get this gun running with the appropriate parts. 52924-6 JWK106 (15,000-25,000)