December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
Exceptional example of the early “fluted” barrel Beretta model 38/42 machine gun with matching numbers on all visible parts, including barrel, receiver, and wooden stock. Nice original leather sling attached. Marked on top of receiver "MOSCH-AUT-PBERETTA-CAL.9-MOD.38A". One original 40-round magazine as well as three hardcover books, “Seven Days in January”, “Battle of Wingen-Sur-Moder”, and “The Other Battle of The Bulge”. This weapon was captured from Germans by 2nd Bn. 276th Inf., 70th Inf. Div. at Selz, France during the winter of 1944-45. It was brought back from World War II by Theodore C. Mataxis and subsequently registered by him. Included in this lot are copies of the original documentation authorizing the weapons exit from the European Theater of Operations. Electronic NFA registry indicates “BERETTA” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: Personal Collection of B.G. (RET) Theo C. Mataxis, Veteran of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and adviser to Afghanistan forces fighting against Soviet occupation during the 1980s. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent with over 90% of its original dark military blue finish remaining with some loss of finish a gray and brown patina in places. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt in extremely fine condition. Wooden stock has some dings, bruises, scratches, and handling marks but remains very attractive. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun. Considering the condition, and provenance that this gun was used by German forces during one of their last major offensives in the west, and that it was part of the personal collection of a very noteworthy American officer, and displayed at our war college, this has to be one of the most desirable specimens of this model available for private citizen ownership. 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 2024-12-55.