GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
BERETTA MODEL 38A SUB MACHINE GUN DEWAT CAPTURED AT SELZ, FRANCE WINTER 1944-45 (CURIO & RELIC). BERETTA 38A 2199C 9 MM MODERN; NFA; C&R 9mm. 9" bbl. This Beretta model 38A has matching numbers on all visible parts including bbl, receiver and wooden stock. Marked on top of receiver "MOSCH-AUT-PBERETTA-CAL.9-MOD.38A". No forward sling loop present. One orig magazine present. Bolt functions properly within receiver with proper spring tension, however chamber has been filled with weld and fluted bbl spot welded to receiver at 6 o'clock position forward of magazine housing. This weapon is currently unserviceable. Captured from Germans by 2nd Bn. 276th Inf., 70th Inf. Div. at Selz, by Task Force Herren, France winter 1944-45. 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. Over 90% of its dark military blue finish remaining with some loss of finish to high points, and with some pitting, particularly around trigger guard and with some scratches. Bolt and bolt face in extremely fine condition. Wooden stock has numerous dings, bruises, scratches and handling marks but is still completely serviceable. Weld plugging chamber does not seem to have cut very much, if at all, into the chamber itself. Metal has been discolored from heat where bbl is spot welded to receiver. Some discoloration and loss of finish to receiver tube opposite ejection port, incidental to chamber being welded. In this cataloger's opinion it would not take a great deal of effort to bring this gun back into firing condition. 52924-5 JWK109 (8,000-12,000)