November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
This is an Austrian Steyr MP-30 machine gun marked with “W” Austrian Eagle and “37” proof on left side of receiver below hinge of top cover. Top rear of butt plate on non-matching stock has unit markings “AJR.10 64”. This indicates, Alpen Jaeger Regiment Nr. 10, 64th weapon. This was part of 5th division Steiermark, Steirisches Alpenjager regiment, under Field Marshall Conrad V. Hotzendorf. These weapons were manufactured for both police and military and could be ordered in a variety of calibers, including 7.65 Luger, 7.63 Mauser, 9mm Parabellum, 9mm Steyr, 9mm Mauser, and .45 ACP (for export). This is an exceptionally well-made machined steel machine gun. The MP-30 went through and evolution and eventually became the MP-34 o (for Osterreich) after the union between Germany and Austria in 1938. At this point the guns (as well as the personnel) in Austrian military service were absorbed into the German military. Subsequent production standardized to the 9mm Parabellum cartridge by late 1940, but there were enough existing guns and ammunition in 9 MM Steyr and 9 MM Mauser for them to remain in service with police, or to be fielded with security forces at static bases such as airfields where consumption of large quantities of ammunition was not anticipated. This gun has no caliber designation under the sight leaf, but the consignor has shot it in 9mm Steyr (9x21mm), and ammunition is included with this lot. This gun incorporates a loading guide milled into the magazine housing which allows the magazine to be snapped into place on the bottom of the housing retained by a latch, and the charged through the top of the housing using stripper clips. The Austrians were very keen on the use of stripper clips to load their weapons dating back to their Steyr-Hahn pistols. Visible numbers non-matching on this gun between receiver, bolt, and stock. Stock has the distinctive sweep and profile particular to the MP-30. Safety forward of the trigger guard also indicative of the MP-30. 1 original 32 round 9mm Mauser magazine included. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine original finish with scattered areas of light pitting, with much more significant loss of finish with and brown and gray patina to the buttplate. Bolt handle exhibits a gray brown patina. Stock exhibits moderate dings and handling marks but still remains very solid and serviceable. Mechanics are crisp. Bore is good, turning dark in the grooves. Long bolt has never been welded and is extremely fine. This is a select fire machine gun with “E and “D” selector. A very nice example of this model which presents very well. One of the last of the high quality milled steel machine guns being produced prior to World War II and a sought after collectible machine gun. 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. JWK 2020-11-032
Manufacturer
Steyr-Solothurn