October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Very attractive "bnz" (Steyr) MP44 manufactured in 1944 with clear "WaA 623" proofs on receiver forward of the magazine housing. Visible numbers appear all matching including bolt upon field stripping. Charging handle/operating piston appears to be an unnumbered waffenmeister replacement.
Beautiful wooden buttstock with clear "ayf" (ERMA) manufacturers code on left side on sling recess. "824 c" on hardware of buttstock assembly also appears to be a vintage waffenmeister renumber. Accessories include an original albeit unmarked leather sling with correct stitching and seven original Nazi marked magazines in a pair of unmarked tan magazine pouches. Six of the magazines are "MP44" marked but the 7th is a real prize, marked "St.G,44". The MP44 was developed to be an "all-purpose" weapon chambered for an intermediate cartridge falling between the full-power 8mm rifle cartridge, and the 9mm pistol cartridge. 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 which was much needed by the Germans on the Eastern front against the Russians. Much has been written about the development of this model, but the concept was to manufacture this rifle utilizing metal stampings to the maximum extent to save production time. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine, dull, very likely vintage period non-buffed refinish with parts such as the barrel handguard and barrel starting to turn a brown patina and some wear to gray patina at the high edges in places. Wood of butt has a semi-gloss appearance over un-sanded wood with absolutely stellar "ayf" manufacturer's mark and some light handling marks. Grips are extremely fine to near excellent. Mechanics are crisp. Bore is very clean, shiny and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine. A very attractive specimen with the appearance of a "dipped" refinish. There is evidence of a punch pin removal on both sides of the magazine housing above the magazine catch. This is a very attractive MP-44 with a highly desirable magazine. Ammunition became available in recent years and anyone who shoots one of these guns will attest to their excellent firing characteristics. There is a reason these are such popular collector's items. 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 2019-10-140
Accessories
two mag pouches, 7 Magazines