October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
This early Bergmann MP35 machine gun was commercially manufactured and taken into Swedish service as Kulsprutepistol M/1939. I wish to extend thanks to the collecting community who answered the call to decipher the markings of the brass disk fitted into the right side of the buttstock. This is what allowed the determination about this history of this gun. Marked with “3 / KI / No 540” and affixed with straight slot screws, the first number would indicate squadron, precinct or battalion, in this case, probably “3rd Staffsquadron”. The “K1” would indicate “Livgardets dragoner”, which was based in Stockholm. This would have been the 540th gun within the regiment. Only the serial numbers as noted below are in evidence. Otherwise this specimen is devoid of makers markings of any kind. This model was one of the last of the high-quality milled steel machine guns before Germany and other countries went to the practice of using stamped metal parts. It incorporates some very interesting features for a pistol caliber machine gun, such as two-trigger select fire system where the firer can squeeze off solitary rounds one after another by squeezing the forward trigger to the rear and then releasing it after each shot. If the firer desires fully automatic fire they need only to squeeze the forward trigger all the way to the rear which actuates a lever (2nd trigger) at the rear of the trigger guard which provides automatic fire. The other highly interesting feature of this model is a quick release barrel feature. Depressing a detent button 3 - 1/4” to the rear of the front of the forend will actuate a lever allowing the muzzle and barrel assembly to rotate 90 degrees and be easily withdrawn from the shroud for cleaning. Other features include a safety lever at the left side of the receiver below and slightly to the rear of the adjustable rear sight, and a bolt removal catch which allows the bolt to be fully withdrawn for cleaning. The bolt itself is a relatively heavy piece which cocks the weapon in a way reminiscent of a bolt action rifle for the first shot. This early specimen has an all-walnut stock. Receiver serial number is the only visible external number. Bolt is numbered “4094”, and barrel is numbered “7037” on bottom of chamber. One original 32 round magazine is included. It is worth noting that Bergmann was happy to provide guns to whichever organization wished to purchase them. Before and during World War II the Germans were courting the best possible relations with Sweden to ensure the flow of war materials from the Scandinavian countries. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent refinish which turned the high alloy steel magazine housing a fine plum color. There are some slight areas with some light patina on the shroud indicating the refinish would have occurred a long time ago. Mechanics are fine. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Bolt appropriately in the white with extremely fine to near excellent bolt face. The magazine is a nice snug fit. Wood has typical light dings and bruises from handling with scrape and slight chip about the size of a nickel on the right side just below the bolt handle. This is a select-fire machine gun. A very “Rare Bird” here in the United States, and gives one to wonder how it came to be here. Perhaps some inter-Soldier trade between German/Swedish rail security forces guarding incoming ore coming from Scandinavia, with subsequent U.S. serviceman capture. Too bad this gun cannot speak. 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 2019-10-88