November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Very attractive Bergmann MP-18.I in its original configuration with 1 32-round snail drum including appropriate “spacer”. The MP18.I in this configuration was the first pistol caliber sub-machine gun to be designed and fielded to be used by ground troops in combat during World War I. Issued to German Sturmstruppen "Assault Troopers", the MP-18.I proved to be an efficient and effective weapon, and served as the basis for multiple later sub-machine 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, and buttplate, as well as the underside of buttstock. Electronic registry indicates manufacturer as, “BERGMANN-SCHMEISSER OR THEODORE”. 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”. Leather sling with illegible ink marking also included with 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 with some handling marks, cleaned yet non sanded. 2nd Model Bing snail drum has good spring tension and in original finish with a brown patina. Finding this model in original configuration still set up for the snail drum is rare, and this is a particularly attractive 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 2021-11-019