April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Absolutely fabulous German FG 42 machine gun Model E 1st Model with 45-degree hand grip and enlarged trigger guard to facilitate the use of gloves. This shoulder-fired select-fire machine gun utilizes the full power 8mm Mauser cartridge. Production of the earliest FG-42s occurred in 1942 with the final prototype, the early Type C Model being presented to Hitler by Hermann Goring as a Christmas present. Subsequently, Hitler decreed that the Fallschirmjagergewehr 42 should be issued to the paratroopers. Specifications demanded a light but robust automatic weapon capable of reliable, accurate, long-range fire. This particular specimen was manufactured by Krieghoff and bears the code “fzs" on the top of the receiver. These guns are exceedingly comfortable to shoot, with the muzzle brake doing its job well. Heinrich Krieghoff of Suhl with code (fzs) made most of the FG-42 type weapons which totaled, including all models, fewer than 7,500 units. Only about 2,000 of the early type model were produced with the highest number observed being serial number 1999. Few were brought back to the U.S. during and after WW2, and even fewer made it into the National Firearms Act registry as fully transferable to individuals. It is generally accepted among collectors that there are fewer than 80 specimens of all FG-42 models registered for private ownership in the United States. Perhaps as many as 15-20 of these are first model guns with the angled handgrip. This particular specimen is being offered for sale for the first time. Transferred to Morphy's on a BATF Form 4 from the estate of the original American owner, a 101st Airborne Paratrooper who personally retrieved and shipped it home from Germany and registered it in 1948. The original sling is included; however, no bayonet or magazine is present. The original registrant owner's decedent's family believes they may have seen them, and if/when they are discovered as the house is cleared, they will be conveyed to the buyer of this firearm through Morphy's. The original registration of this firearm was approved on a Treasury Department form dated July 6, 1948. The electronic NFA registry indicates "GERMAN" as the manufacturer. Electronic NFA registry indicates “GERMAN” as the manufacturer, and it transferred to Morphy's from the estate as a live gun on an ATF Form 4. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent with well over 95% original black painted and lustrous blue finish with some scattered loss of finish in places. Muzzle exhibits a pleasing grey patina turning a little brown at the top. Bolt, trigger, selector lever, magazine catch, and handgrip retention bar exhibit a pleasing grey patina, as does the charging handle. Barrel, rear sight post, and muzzle brake retention latch retain nearly all their lustrous deep blue finish. Non-matching number (332) metal buttstock has a dull matte original finish. The chamber of this gun is a professional replacement, as it came to Morphy's with the chamber plugged. Wooden handguard is extremely fine with some light handling marks and 3 small cracks at the top left over the chamber, 1 - 1 /4" crack on the right side just forward of the receiver as well as a small sliver of wood missing at lower rear of charging handle slot. None of this affects serviceability. Original sling remains completely serviceable but is starting to harden. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Bolt is extremely fine to near excellent. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun. The first model FG-42 with the distinctive angled handgrip is the most sought after of all German machine guns, and this is only the second such specimen of this model this cataloger can recall being offered publicly at auction in over 35 years. More money can always be earned/accumulated, but the VERY few Curio & Relic eligible fully transferable 1st Model FG-42 machine guns simply do not become publicly available hardly ever. This is a very rare opportunity for the discerning serious and advanced collector/investor. 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 2023-4-29
CORRECTION: This lot is accompanied by 1 reproduction first pattern magazine. Great news! A collector with an original first model E Type FG-42 magazine has contacted Morphy's and will offer this magazine for sale to the winning bidder of this machine gun for a total price of $5500. This magazine is NOT included in this lot, only the option to purchase it is. Morphy's will act as a go-between between the winning bidder and the seller of this magazine. The magazine exhibits extremely fine original finish, however the tip of the spring tab on the floorplate is broken off and not present. This does not affect the functionality and could be repaired by someone with the appropriate expertise. If pictures are desired, please email John.Keene@Morphyauctions.com. The magazine will be offered to the winning bidder of this lot through Morphy's. It is NOT available for separate sale unless and until the winning bidder of this gun declines to purchase it.
Manufacturer
Heinrich Krieghoff