Introduced in 1930, the MG-13 light machine gun was a descendant of the Dreyse Model 1907, discarding the water jacket and belt feed in favor of an air cooled barrel and magazine feed for a lighter and more tactically maneuverable weapon. The MG-13 was the standard light machine gun of the late Weimar Republic and early days of Hitler's rise to power, and would see use during World War II as a weapon for second-line troops. The MG-13 was also adopted by Portugal as the M/1938, where it saw action as late as the Portuguese Colonial War in the 1960s/1970s, and by the Nationalist Chinese (who received them as standard secondary armament with Panzer I tanks from Germany). Folding blade front and tangent rear sights, with a long conical flash hider mounted on the heat shield ahead of a folding bipod and swiveling carry handle. The right side of the receiver ahead of the ejector port bears the Portuguese crest over "1938", with "B-960" marked on the receiver box. The underside bears the address of VSM of Cincinnati, Ohio, a manufacturer and importer of NFA items, along with a 7.92mm caliber marking. Mechanically the weapon operates from a closed bolt, with the recoil spring and tension mechanism integrated into the top cover and a dual-action trigger (semi-automatic upper, full automatic lower) controlling fire mode, smooth pistol grip and a side-folding buttstock with hinged and padded buttplate. A large number of accessories are included with the item, including a German-proofed anti-aircraft tripod, a metal ammo can, twenty-three extra magazines, three extra barrels, one barrel transport case, and a steamer trunk.

Very fine as assembled/refinished, with 90% plus reapplied black paint finish, showing areas of wear and handling marks. The components show a mix of proof marks, including WWII era German military proofs. Minor scuffs and dings are present on the pistol grip and stock. 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.