April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria

All > Firearms > NFA

Bidding

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023

One of the rarest of British model machine guns registered for private ownership in the United States is offered here. Manufactured especially for special operations. This is an original Sten Mark IV(S) (designating “Silencer”) machine gun, as referenced in Small Arm Review articles. This particular specimen was issued to an American officer who was training in England and was intended to be landed in Japan as part of pre-invasion operations in 1945. According to the officer at the time of the gun’s purchase, when the invasion was called off the authorities never asked for the gun’s return. The officer brought the gun back to the United States and subsequently registered it with the BATF. It is registered under 2 separate BATF registration forms, one for the gun, and one for the silencer. This is the only such specimen of this model registered fully transferable for private ownership in the United States that this cataloger is aware of. It was the featured subject of a Small Arms Review article in December 1998, and a copy of this article is included with this lot. Top of magazine housing is marked “STEN MK II” over a “3”. Underside of magazine well is marked with manufacturer (S & S) with serial number. Silencer is registered under a different “ATF” number. Original specially lightened bolt present within the receiver as well as shortened mainspring. The silencer is threaded on to the barrel housing with a space for a set-screw to hold it in place but the set-screw is not present. Electronic NFA registry indicates “STEN” as the manufacturer for both the gun and the silencer, with “STENMKII” as the model of the machine gun, and “N\A” as the model of the silencer. Actual incoming paper registration form indicates “British Small Arms” as the manufacturer of the both the gun and the silencer. PROVENENCE: From the personal collection of a very discerning and advanced machine gun collector who desires to remain anonymous as he draws down his collection. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine original matte black painted finish with loss of paint revealing a pleasing grey patina. Innovative and distinctive shoulder loop finish is consistent with the rest. Bore is extremely fine with shiny rifling, and of course the interior of the silencer is dark. Bolt face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp and positive. This is a full-auto only machine gun. The collector community (and Morphy’s) is very fortunate that this very meaningful (from both a development and historic standpoint) specimen is available for private ownership. This is a unique opportunity for the discerning and forward-thinking advanced collector. THESE ARE NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEMS AND REQUIRE BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. EACH OF THESE ITEMS ARE FULLY TRANSFERABLE AND EACH WILL TRANSFER ON IS’S OWN EITHER ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. IF TRANSFERRED ON ATF FORM 4’S, EACH WILL INCUR A SEPARATE TRANSFER TAX. JWK 2023-04-14

Bidding Current Bidding Minimum Bid: $26,000.00 Final prices include buyers premium: $126,000.00 Estimate: $50,000 - $100,000 Number Bids: 12	Auction closed on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

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