September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Very attractive Bergmann MP-18.I in its original configuration with one 32-round snail drum including appropriate spacer. The MP18.I in this configuration was the first pistol caliber submachine gun to be designed and fielded to be used by ground troops in combat during World War I. Issued to German Sturmstruppen "stormtroopers", the MP-18.I proved to be an efficient and effective weapon, and served as the basis for multiple later submachine gun designs. Marked "M.P.18.I” with crown proof and serial number on top of magazine housing. Serial numbers match on receiver tube, end cap, and detent latch, detent latch boss, trigger housing, buttplate, and the underside of buttstock. Left side of receiver marked, "THEODOR BERGMANN ABT.WAFFENBAU SUHL". Bolt is marked simply “19” forward of charging handle and extractor is marked “3971”. Trigger is marked “593”. Robust original brown leather sling has embossed cartouche, “STOLL / WIEN” within an oval at lead end. An unmarked snail drum loader is also included with this gun. Electronic registry indicates, “BERGMANN-SCHMEISSER OR THEODORE” as the manufacturer of this gun. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent as professionally refinished with some slight pitting discernible on the top of the magazine housing. Bore is fine, mostly shiny and bright with some slight darkness starting in the grooves just forward of the chamber. Markings are sharp and clear. Stock is extremely attractive and smooth with some light handling marks. 2nd Model Bing snail drum has good spring tension and in original finish with a brown patina. It is not often this model is found in original configuration still set up for the snail drum. A particularly attractive example of the first submachine gun, that served Germany's elite troops during the Great War. 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 2024-09-049.
Accessories
Snail Drum Loader