Developed prior to World War II by Heinrich Vollmer of Mauser, the MG34 machine gun was a mainstay tool of German forces through the full duration of the war. A machined steel beast, the 34 was a very versatile weapon, suitable for vehicle use, support fire from a sturdy folding tripod, or in rapid tactical movement from a bipod or fired by the shoulder. While later models were more efficient, banking heavily on stamped components and simplified designs to speed production, the MG34 was never fully retired before World War II came to a close, with the 34's method of barrel removal (the receiver rotating to the right, allowing the barrel to be shifted straight back) making it especially suitable for use as a coaxial weapon in German tank turrets. Folding blade front and ladder rear sights, with an adjustable flash hider at the muzzle, a folding bipod, ribbed grip panels, and a hardwood buttstock. Components are mixed, with the barrel housing marked "dfb/41/7132/h" (Gustloffe Werke), the receiver bearing a "WaA63" (Mauser) proof over serial number "6137", and matching numbers added to the bolt assembly with electric pencil. An extra barrel housing in "panzermantle" configuration (for deploying the MG34 as a coaxial gun on an armored fighting vehicle), marked "dot/1944/6137" (Bruenn/BRNO) on top is included, sans muzzle device, with four extra barrels, one metal barrel case, a small part/tool case, black painted field mount with leather straps and a Busch optical sight, and an anti-aircraft tripod. Also included with the lot is an EM34 optical rangefinder, "bmj" marked, with a leather transport case, calibration bar, and canvas case for the calibration bar.

Fine as assembled, with 70% of the arsenal quality blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, scattered spotting, a few areas of minor pitting, and light handling marks. The stock has a chip absent near the receiver, but is otherwise good. The "panzermantle" barrel housing shows a copper tone to the finish, with mild wear. Accessories are in fine order, though the trigger mechanism on the field mount needs adjustment and the field mount optics are a bit hazy. The rangefinder and calibration bar show mild wear and tear. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.