April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
EXCEPTIONAL HIGH ORIGINAL CONDITION J. P. SAUER MANUFACTURED GERMAN MP-44 MACHINE GUN (CURIO & RELIC). One of the finest condition specimens we have ever seen from this rarely encountered manufacturer, this extremely fine and attractive MP44 is marked “ce” on underside of receiver forward of magazine well indicating J. P. Sauer as the final assembler. Visible numbers are matching including operating rod and bolt which has an electro-pencil number. Nazi proof marks on numerous parts with "WaA" proofs as well. Underside of receiver eagle over "280" indicating ERMA manufacture along with "cos" indicating Mertzwerke, which was a sheet metal firm subcontractor. This weapon was manufactured in 1944 and indicated on the left side of receiver. One original 30 round Nazi marked “MP-44” magazine included as well as a Redding reloading 2 die set, 400 each new un-fired and unprimed boxer type brass cases, and 10 bags of 100 each 123 grain solid brass projectiles. Also included are 24 boxes of post war East German production corrosive primed steel cased ammunition. The MP44 series of weapons was the first assault rifle design which uses an intermediate cartridge; the 7.92x33mm cartridge was not so powerful as the 8x57mm full power rifle round but significantly more powerful than the 9mm Parabellum pistol round. This rifle was a highly effective improvement over the standard bolt action rifle because not only was it semi-automatic with a large magazine capacity but it also could provide automatic fire fulfilling a soldier's needs in many situations. The fact that the cartridge was smaller in length and in weight meant that the soldiers could carry more ammunition readily available. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent original finish with some slight loss of finish to a gray patina at cylinder sheet metal and butt stock hardware. Wood is very attractive, un-sanded and original finish. Mechanics are crisp. Action is very smooth. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt face is also near excellent. This is a select-fire machine gun. The MP44 was an important historical development in the field of military weapons and the condition of this one makes it one of the best we have ever carried to auction. If you have an MP-44 already, this one would almost certainly be an upgrade, both in condition and likely also in terms of manufacturer. 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 2021-04-020
Item Dimensions: 37 x 10 x 3 with acc
Accessories
Cartridges, bullets, dies
Paperwork
Amnesty form, provenance