April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Interesting late war Eagle over "37” (C.G. Haenel) manufactured MP44. Clear "WaA 37" proof and final proof on receiver forward of the magazine housing. Other markings on the underside of receiver are a “P” next to a “12” over “4” written as a fraction. (December 1944 manufactured receiver with final assembly in 1945?). Receiver serial number is also unusual, “4701 MES / 45”. This is the number the gun is registered under. Electronic NFA registry indicates, “Germany” as the manufacturer. Visible numbers appear matching including receiver, handgrip assembly, buttstock hardware, and operating piston (“470”). Bolt bears Haenel Eagle proof but is unnumbered. Includes 1 original “qlw” 30-round magazine and an original leather sling. Buttstock is of the shorter (4 - 3/4” height) profile. The MP44 was the first true modern “assault rifle” chambered for a shorter than standard rifle cartridge (33mm vs 57mm) which, although less powerful than the standard 8mm German rifle round, was still very effective at medium ranges where most combat took place. This allowed the individual soldier to carry plenty of ammunition in a 30-round magazine so that the rifle could be effective in close-quarters combat as well. Capable of both semi-automatic and fully-automatic fire with the pressing of a switch at the side of the receiver this first modern "assault rifle" could fill the role of a deliberate aimed fire weapon, as well as that of a suppressing fire weapon. This rifle was constructed of metal stampings to the maximum extent possible to save production time and cost. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original lustrous blued finished with some handling marks and scratches. Wood has been lightly sanded and refinished over light handling marks. Original wood grips are extremely fine. Bore is very clean, shiny and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. A very attractive looking and unusually marked specimen of an extremely popular and collectible machine gun. 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 2023-04-09.
Caliber/Bore
7.92x33mm Kurz