August 18 & 19, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/19/2020
Generally considered to be the world's first GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), the MG-34 was designed to provide the German military with a portable machine gun that could support infantry either in a light or medium machine gun role, be utilized in an anti-aircraft role, and even be used in static defenses such as bunkers. It was issued into service in 1936 and was used throughout the course of WWII. The receiver on this MG-34 display gun was cut into three pieces and nicely welded back together. The receiver has been filled in, to negate any potential operation. The receiver cover was manufactured by Grossfuss and reads "bpr" over waffenamt "WaA497". Original serial number on top cover has been crossed out and a different serial number applied. Feed tray was manufactured by Berlin-Suhler Waffenwerke and is marked with a eagle over waffenamt "WaA4" above "BSW". The barrel retains the Mauser "S/243" manufacturer code as well as the eagle over "26" waffenamts. Barrel is coated in a thick layer of cosmoline. Black plastic grips and the wood buttstock are of reproduction. Charging handle is fixed in place and cannot be moved. CONDITION: Receiver, barrel shroud, and muzzle booster retain most of their reapplied blue finish, with areas of thinning and wear showing all around. Bore is good, showing strong rifling throughout. Stock shows some wear and indentations. A fantastic specimen of a machine gun used throughout the course of WWII, that would make for a nice addition to ones collection. MLW
Item Dimensions: Length: 48".