April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Desirable late war "swj” (Steyr) MP44 manufactured in 1945 with clear "WaA 623" proofs as well as eagle final proof on receiver forward of the magazine housing. Visible numbers appear all matching including electro-penciled bolt upon field stripping. Bolt is of the later style with slot at the extractor. Charging handle/operating piston appears to be an unnumbered waffenmeister replacement which matches in patina with the rest of the internal parts. Buttstock assembly matches “52” on hardware. Wood buttstock is of the later lower profile (4 - 3/4" high). 2 original “MP44” marked 30-round magazines (“qlv” & “fxo”) are included as well as 17 boxes of 15 rounds each 1960s vintage steel-cased ammunition. Also the small “Soldiers weapons manual” is rolled up in the buttstock trap. The MP44 was developed to be an "all-purpose" weapon chambered for an intermediate cartridge falling between the full-power 8mm rifle cartridge, and the 9mm pistol cartridge. Capable of both semi-automatic and fully-automatic fire with the pressing of a switch at the side of the receiver, this first modern "assault rifle" could fill the role of a deliberate aimed fire weapon, as well as that of a suppressing fire weapon which was much needed by the Germans on the Eastern front against the Russians. Much has been written about the development of this model, but the concept was to manufacture this rifle utilizing metal stampings to the maximum extent to save production time. Electronic NFA registry indicates “Germany” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine, dull, original finish turning to a mixture of a pleasing grey and brown patina. Wood of butt is in extremely fine condition with a small wood screw hole on the right side near the sling slot. Grips are fine with a small crack on the left side and a couple of small gouges on the right panel. Bore is very clean, shiny, and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. A fine very original as captured MP-44. These guns have pleasant firing characteristics and recreational shooters are fortunate that good boxer primed ammunition has become available in recent years. There is a reason these are such popular collector's items. 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 2023-04-08
Accessories
Spare magazine, 17 boxes Post-War ammunition
Caliber/Bore
7.92x33mm Kurz