April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Designed as a simplified and more cost-efficient variation of the model 38A, Beretta's Model 38/42 submachine proved itself to be a popular choice among both Allied and Axis soldiers during World War II due to its simplicity and reliability. This example is stamped "M.P.' BERETTA , Mod.38/42-Cal.9" across the top of the receiver, followed by the serial number "CC/857". Left side of receiver is stamped "F" and "S" at the safety lever. Left side of buttstock bears an encircled "4UT/ 43" arsenal proof. Metal components are blued, while the receiver is housed within a solid 1-piece wood stock. Additional features include a 9" fluted barrel, integral compensator, inverted "V" blade front sight, square notch rear sight, as well as a distinctive double trigger assembly. Matching numbers are present on the receiver and buttstock. Bolt matches via an electro-penciled inscription and barrel is unnumbered. Receiver is mounted with a period brown leather sling. One original magazine is included with this lot. Electronic NFA registry indicates, “ITALIAN” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: From the collection of esteemed firearms collector and researcher Edwin F. Libby. CONDITION: Very good, with metal components retaining the majority of their original blue finish, exhibiting some areas of wear and thinning that show through to gray and brown patinas. Stock is extremely fine, save for a couple of gouges present on the left side. Sling is very good, showing some scattered areas of age-related cracking, but otherwise malleable. Bore is bright, exhibiting areas of mild pitting, and retaining strong rifling throughout. This is a select-fire machine gun. The Beretta 38/42 was one of the most popular, cost-effective, and indeed effective pistol caliber machine guns of WWII, and Germany was procuring these from Beretta and issuing them to their troops after MP-40 production had ceased in favor of producing the MP-44/STG44 model. This early specimen with lightened fluted barrel, and particularly fine fit and finish, is one of the very best this cataloger has seen surface for sale. 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 2023-4-16
Caliber/Bore
9x19mm Parabellum