November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Designed by revolutionary firearms designers Hugo Schmeisser and Theodore Bergmann, the MP-18.I "Maschinenpistole 18/I" was the first true submachine gun to be adopted and fielded in combat. Utilized by the Imperial German Army during the final stages of World War I, the MP-18.I proved to be an effective trench clearing weapon, being issued to Sturmstruppen (Shock Troopers) with deadly efficiency. This example is stamped "MP.18.I/ SYSTEM/ SCHMEISSER" on the top magazine well collar. The left side of the receiver is stamped "THEODORBERGMANNABT.WAFFENBAUSUHL". The front of the magazine well is stamped "C.G. HAENEL/ WAFFENFABRIK/ SUHL", with the left side of the buttstock is stamped "1920", indicating that this MP-18.I was retained by the German government in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles. Slightly later in the early 1930s, this example was converted for police use by replacing the magazine well collar to accept the Schmeisser 20-round magazine, hence the lack of a "1920" stamp on the collar. Crown proofs are present on various components. Matching numbers include the receiver, magazine well collar, rear sight assembly, front sight, muzzle cap, barrel, trigger guard, buttplate receiver latch, receiver latch bracket, return spring guide, bolt extractor, charging handle, trigger bar assembly, main forend hinge, main hinge screw, as well as the walnut stock. Extractor is broken and rear of barrel shroud is missing a screw. Features include a 1-piece walnut stock, perforated barrel shroud, as well as barleycorn sights with graduations from 100-200 meters. This example is accompanied by an unmarked period leather sling with brass accoutrements, as well as two police unit marked magazines, one bearing a "S.K.21./ 3." unit marking and the other bearing a "S.B.858./ 3." unit marking. CONDITION: Very good overall, with metal components retaining the vast majority of their arsenal applied blue finish, exhibiting some small areas of wear and thinning that show through to pleasant gray and brown patinas. Bright bore, exhibiting light oxidation within the grooves as well as retaining good rifling throughout. Stock shows some scattered nicks, marks, and impressions from handling and storage, with a small spot of marring on the left-hand side. Top of stock bears a repair to the rear of the receiver end cap and receiver latch assembly and a small crack present at the top of the trigger guard assembly, otherwise stock is sturdy and serviceable. Leather sling is very good, showing the usual signs of aging and some areas of light crazing. A very nice and attractive Bergmann MP-18.I machine gun, that would go on to influence many European small arms developments. 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. MLW
Accessories
Extra magazines