November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022
Very attractive and extremely interesting late war German StG44 machine gun. Marked with both “byf” (Mauser) and “qlv” (ERMA) on flat of receiver forward of the magazine housing, together with eagle proofs. This quite late specimen is exactly what several collectors have been asking this cataloger to find for them: namely, an original, late war “45” dated phosphate finish StG-44. This is an all-matching gun with a double letter “af” serial number suffix. Charging handle/op rod matches “9300” with WaA 280 and “qlv” codes. Matching bolt has engraved “9300” with cut-out recess at extractor, which is appropriate for this late of a gun. Firing pin is triangular and unfluted. Beautiful wooden buttstock matches with “300” at bottom of hardware with 3 letter code visible at sling slot. Receiver, lower assembly, gas block, and barrel retain a gray phosphate finish with clearcoat of shellac applied over it as an assembled gun. In other words, once the buttstock is removed, this exposes the gray phosphate without the green tint of the aged shellac. Sling on this gun is a post-War reproduction. 1 original MP-44 marked magazine is included with this gun. These StG-44 marked guns are quite scarce as the official order designating the change from MP-44 came in was in October 1944, meaning there were relatively few months of production for StG44 marked guns. The MP-44 was an 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 as they were increasingly outnumbered by their foes as the War progressed. Electronic NFA registry indicates “German” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent original finish with a combination of blued and phosphate finish as noted above. There is some slight brown patina forward and above the magazine housing on the left side. There is a greenish tinted shellac-like substance all over the exterior of this gun, including the magazine. This gives the wood of the butt a somewhat glossy appearance. This cataloger has seen unquestionably original brushed on shellac type finish on MP-44 and StG44 guns over the years which came “as captured” from veterans this cataloger has known and befriended. Buttstock is of the lower profile 4 - 3/4” high type manufactured to fit easily into vehicle mounts. Grips are extremely fine to near excellent. Bore is very clean, shiny and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. One of the most sought-after variants of this highly desirable machine gun in outstanding condition. A great opportunity for the discerning collector. 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 2022-11-61
Caliber/Bore
7.92x33mm Kurz