October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
The Bergmann MP35/I machine gun was originally designed and marketed for the European police market in the mid 1930’s and was produced in two barrel lengths, 7.75" and 12.60". These were generally issued to German police and SS units during World War 2. This specimen is devoid of makers markings of any kind. Only the serial numbers are in evidence as noted below. This model was one of the last of the high-quality milled steel machine guns before Germany and subsequently other countries went to the practice of using stamped metal parts. This model incorporates some very interesting features for a pistol caliber machine gun. It incorporates a 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. One can understand the advantages to not needing to reposition a finger to push a selector button or flip a selector switch. The firer simply needs a little training and practice. The other highly interesting and convenient feature is this model incorporates a quick release barrel feature. 3 ¼” to the rear of the front edge of the fore-end there is a detent button which when depressed with the tip of a finger or small tool will actuate a lever allowing the muzzle and barrel assembly to rotate 90 degrees and be easily withdrawn from the shroud for cleaning. This is an absolutely wonderful feature for the modern recreational machine gun enthusiast ! 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to the rear of the adjustable rear sight, and a bolt release catch just to rear of it which allows the bolt to fully withdrawn for cleaning.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 particular specimen has a laminated stock and un-numbered bolt. Receiver serial number and trigger guard number “82a” do not match. Barrel number is barely discernable “488” on bottom of chamber. One 30 round magazine is included. Magazine appears to be professionally adapted from a MP34 magazine. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine with over 80% WW2 vintage refinish over some small but noticeable shrapnel marks in the metal on the shroud near the muzzle, and on the magazine well and housing. Explosion would have come from the right side at about the 1 o’clock position somewhat forward of the carrier of this weapon. The magazine housing has been just slightly curved inward at the center forward edge, making the magazine a tight fit. Very interesting, and is almost certainly what must have precipitated the replacement of the barrel and some other restorative work by a Waffenmeister. The rear of the receive and magazine housing has turned to a pleasing smooth brown patina. The forward edge of the stock has undergone an expert repair by matching and gluing a small plug in place, barely noticeable. Otherwise stock has some small dings and handling marks. Bore is shiny and bright but definitely has experienced use. Bolt is extremely fine within the receiver, turning a brown patina where exposed. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun. This is a fairly rare model of a WW2 machine gun, and the interesting feature of the quick release barrel has often been overlooked by both the Veterans who bagged the guns, and subsequent collectors. This specimen with its interesting and yet not unattractive battle damage makes for a particularly interesting historical piece. It would almost no effort to straighten the forward edge of the magazine well, but we leave that as a choice for the winning bidder to decide upon. This is a great collector’s piece as it is. 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. JWK 18-47