May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Desirable early “slab-sided” magazine housing MP-40 machine gun manufactured in 1941 by C.G. Haenel (fxo), as indicated by markings on the top rear of the lower receiver socket. The serial number of this assembly is on the left side of this socket, and matches the receiver number on the left side of the receiver tube. Haenel eagle over 37 proof visible on other parts as well as sub-contractor “cos” (Mertzwerke) on grip frame. Visible numbers matching on sight hood, which is early MP-38 style with muzzle cap attachment hardware, barrel, barrel trunnion nut, flat magazine housing, rear sights, and lower assembly, including handgrip. The bolt is mismatched. Note this gun has the early partially checkered magazine release button. Desirable original amnesty registration paperwork is included with this lot. This gun was amnesty registered as a deactivated gun, and has been legally reactivated to be a “live” gun by “U.S. Armament Corp, Ephrata, PA”, and is so marked on the receiver tube. Barrel resting bar and rivet not present, and no magazine is included with this lot. However, the original magazine pouch with three original magazines that came with this gun is being offered as a separate lot in this same auction. It is also noteworthy that this specimen was originally produced with a “hook-type” bolt as the cut-out for the later sliding bolt lock is in accordance German retrofit procedures. Electronic NFA registry indicates “Schmeisser (GE Germany)” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: Original Amnesty Registration paperwork. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is an extremely fine combination of original finish and “touch-up” blue in areas where reactivation work removed weld. Overall a pleasing dull patina with blemish to the “MP-40” marking on the end cap and bare metal at the mouth of the chamber. Some thinning to the finish to a gray patina in places. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine. Bakelite furniture extremely fine to near excellent with some handling marks. Mechanics are crisp. This is a full-auto-only machine gun. Finding an early MP-40 with desirable early features such as this is uncommon. Having the actual original amnesty registration form only enhances the attractiveness of this lot, which exhibits a step in the transition from the MP-38 to MP-40 by Germany in the early days of WWII. A real historical piece. 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 2024-05-005
Manufacturer
Schmeisser (Germany)