October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Absolutely fantastic ZB-26 machine gun as manufactured by Czechoslovakia as VZ-26 with Spanish crest and taken into German service. Top of receiver bears SS depot death's head logo. Many of this model were captured when the Czechoslovakia became part of the German Reich. Whether they were already in Czech military service, produced but not yet delivered as foreign contract, or unfinished at the factory, all were taken into German service. The SS in particular acquired these in the years prior to their being allowed to procure weapons through normal military channels. Thus one will see “SS” markings on a variety of guns with otherwise different manufacturer’s markings. Germany took over the Czech BRNO plant and it became “Waffenwerke Brunn” and assigned the WaA 63 acceptance code. Completed, or near complete guns were inspected, accepted and sent along to be issued as needed. This specimen exhibits both the eagle over “63” proofs and a “death’s head” under what appears to be “SS 2” depot mark, above the original, partially obliterated original Czech proofmark at the top of the receiver. The original Czech applied manufacturers markings on the sides of the receiver remain, of course. Barrel serial number of “P3541” does not match receiver SN, but it is a vintage correct barrel with eagle over “63” proof and eagle over Swaztika firing proof. Left side of stock sling hardware boss is marked “30P 190” This is the unit designation to which it was issued. One original 20 round Czech magazine is included with this gun. Also included is redacted copy of original 1945 dated registration form. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent original finish on barrel, and receiver, with the metal of the lower assembly metal finish thinning to more a gray patina, with a peppering of gray pitting corrosion at rear of stock hardware. There are weld marks underneath and to either side of the barrel release latch on the left of the receiver, and cleaned up weld marks 1” to the rear of the latch on the underside of receiver which indicates this gun was a DEWAT at one time. Barrel release latch a plum color. Gas cylinder tube extremely clean. Buttstock and handgrip wood are extremely fine Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright with some darkness in the grooves. Bolt is near excellent with Czech marking visible at top. Magazine also exhibits Czech proof with extremely fine finish. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun with “20” “0” “1” selector. Absolutely stunningly attractive specimen with desirable markings. A great specimen of one of the best box magazine fed machine guns of the WW2 conflict. 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 & RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 18-62