November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
The MP-18/I "Maschinenpistole 18/I", designed by Hugo Schmeisser and manufactured by Theodor Bergmann, was the first sub-machine gun to be fielded by an army and used in combat. While some may attest that the Italian Villar-Perosa was technically the first sub-machine gun to be used in battle, the Villar-Perosa was designed to be used as a light machine gun mounted on aircraft, and was only later adapted to be utilized by infantry in the trenches of World War I, unlike the MP-18/I, which was designed for infantry use from its conception. Issued to Sturmstruppen "Assault Troopers", who were trained in advanced infiltration tactics, the MP-18/I proved to be an efficient and effective weapon, and served as the basis for multiple later sub-machine gun designs. This fine specimen, is marked "M.P.18,I/ 2381" over the chamber, with "THEODORBERGMANNABT.WAFFENBAUSUHL" on the left hand side of the receiver. German Imperial Reichsadler is present on the bolt, just ahead of the charging handle. Reactivation marking is present on the bottom of the receiver. 1 piece walnut stock with finger grooves on either side with perforated barrel shroud. Barleycorn sights, with graduations from 100-200 meters. Matching numbers include the receiver, front & rear sights, muzzle cap, receiver end cap, receiver latch, receiver latch bracket, return spring guide, bolt, extractor, charging handle, trigger guard, trigger bar assembly, main forend hinge, and main hinge screw. Buttplate matches, but appears to have been renumbered at one point in time. Included with this gun, is an original period leather sling, one original snail drum magazine with MP-18 adapter, one reproduction snail drum magazine, as well as one original magazine loader and one reproduction loader. CONDITION: Metal components retains fine amounts of their original blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning that show through to a pleasing patina all around. Arsenal markings are sharp. Exceptional mirror bore that exhibits strong rifling throughout. Stock appears to be an old refinish, showing some minor scattered handling marks, as well as some light scattered flaking to the varnish, which is most prevalent at the toe. There is a small crack to the rear of the receiver end cap. Leather sling shows age cracking all around, as well as a tear. This is an extremely attractive example of an MP-18/I submachine gun, that served Germany's elite troops during the Great War. PROVENANCE: Stern Collection. 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. MLW
CORRECTION: Additional accessories include an additional MP-18/I Luger snail drum adapter sleeve and a manual "Instruction for the Long Pistol 08 with Insertable Drum Magazine".
Accessories
Reproduction snail drum magazine, two magazine loaders, snail drum adapter sleeve