October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Late war manufactured STG 44 machine as assembled by C.G. Haenel in 1945, with eagle over “37” proofs on underside of receiver as well as on left side of barrel. Other proof marks in evidence are “cos” (Merz-Werke), and “awt” (Wurttemburgische Matallwarefabrik). Bolt, operating rod are original and matching, as are all visible parts. The bolt is of the late style with factory cut-out near the extractor. . Four original Nazi marked magazines are included as well as an original leather sling. Original front sight hood present. This is the final version of this series of weapons with the lower profile 4 7/8” toe to heel butt which fit readily into vehicle racks for transport. This is NOT a laminated wood buttstock indicating this gun was manufactured very late indeed. Serial number actually has a “u” suffix. The MP43, MP443, and STG 44 series was highly effective and the first modern assault rifle produced in significant quantities. It incorporates desirable features such as being select-fire, firing from a closed bolt, taking an intermediate length cartridge (shorter than the standard 8mm) which was less bulky to carry, and yet could range out further and with greater effect than a pistol cartridge. The shorter cartridge allowed for a high 30 round magazine capacity. These were rifles which would serve in multiple roles and situations according to need, include having a scope for longer range and low-light conditions, and even with special attachments such as barrel chutes so they could be fired out of vehicle ports at adversaries, and fitted with some of the earliest experimental night vision (Vampire) equipment. A very versatile and effective combat firearm. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is good to very fine original finish, with very nice deep blue finish on the receiver, with deep blue finish also on pistol grip assembly with scattered brown patina. Barrel, gas block, buttstock, and handguard all have a smooth gray original finish with some brown patina. From a distance the rifle finish looks like it was poorly stored, but upon close inspection the finish is exactly what it should be for a late war STG44. Magazines all are original finish, with two magazines exhibiting very fine finish and one scattered light pitting. The final magazine has several areas of pitting and loss of finish, most notably on the left side. Buttstock wood near excellent. Bore is extremely fine to near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun. Tough to find example of late war specimen. 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 18-76