November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
With an estimated 1,100,000 MP-40 submachine guns manufactured during the course of World War 2, one does not have to wonder why the MP-40 is so synonymous with Germany's Third Reich in nearly all forms of modern day media. Easily recognizable even to the uninitiated, the MP-40's presence in movies such as Indian Jones and video games like that of Call of Duty, continue to garner it interest, even with the youth of today. A claim not many firearms, especially those of the mid-20th century, can claim. This example was manufactured by Erma Werke in 1943. This gun was acquired from a large TV & movie prop rental house, confirmed by the consignor and other indicators including the serial number on the receiver being lined out, and the second being that the bore is threaded towards the muzzle, which was done in order to accept an internal blank firing adapter. The lower assembly is marked "MP40/ ayf 43" above the serial number, followed by "cos" for Merz-Werke. Merz-werke "cos" proof is also present on the bottom of the receiver, just ahead of the magazine well. Eagle over "280" and eagle over "WaA44" waffenamts are present throughout. Left side of barrel is import stamped "CADMUS INO". Matching numbers include the receiver, rear sight assembly, barrel, barrel nut, resting bar, lower assembly, trigger guard, folding stock, bolt, and firing pin. Front sight hood is of the MP-38 variation and does not match. This example comes well accessorized, with the accessories including one complete barrel assembly, one incomplete barrel, a contemporary black leather sling, four total magazines, and a "VIGN" marked magazine loader. PROVENANCE: Copy of original Form 3 with transfer from Dan Shea, Long Mountain Outfitters, and inventory sheet from Ellis Prop liquidation listing this gun by serial number. CONDITION: Metal components retain good amounts of their original arsenal applied blue finish, exhibiting wear and thinning all around that shows through to gray and brown patinas, as well as scattered marks from use. Protected areas on the bottom of the receiver retain more plentiful amounts of original blue finish. Bore exhibits oxidation, but retains well defined lands and grooves throughout. Bakelite resting bar shows some minor chips and nicks, but is otherwise good. This is a nice example of an Erma manufactured MP-40, that on top of being a great shooter, will allow the new owner to own a piece of Hollywood movie magic in the form of an outstanding Class 3 selection. 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 AND RELIC ELIGIBLE.
Accessories
Four magazines, magazine loader, two spare barrels
Paperwork
Translated MP38/MP40 Luftwaffe manual, Form 3, Inventory Sheet