This is a seldom seen fully transferable MP.38 submachine gun. Produced from 1938 to 1940, the MP.38 was in active use during some of the earliest aggressive action of World War II in Europe, and saw active use on all fronts; no doubt many were destroyed through the rigors of service or captured on the Eastern Front as the war went on, leaving few examples to be captured by American GIs on the Western Front. The immediate forerunner to the MP.40, the MP.38 marks a transition point between the more intricate and expensive machined steel and wood submachine guns of World War I and the inter-war years with the more efficient stampings and drawings that would typify the World War II European machine gun. They were produced by three factories including Erma Werke, Haenel and Steyr, with this example produced by the Erma Werke factory in 1940. Often misattributed to Schmeisser, the MP.38 set the tone for German submachine guns through the end of the war, and the MP.40 would closely follow the blueprint it set. The main changes between the models were A) streamlining the design to speed production and reduce reliance on machined components and B) introducing the two-piece charging handle to improve the drop safety of the weapon, an issue with open bolt submachine guns worldwide versus a flaw with the MP.38 itself. Blade front and two-leaf notch rear sights, with mismatched serial numbers and "eagle/280" proofs on the replacement barrel, receiver, socket, and several other components. The MP.38 receiver tube shows the distinctive fluting down the length, with holes through the sides of the magazine well, and the socket is marked "M.P. 38/27/1940". The bolt assembly retains the original one-piece charging handle, with the bolt raceway properly lacking the notch for the later handle. Fitted with a set of matching number Bakelite grip panels (minus the upper right panel, which has no visible number) and an underfolding steel stock.

Fine, with areas of pitting under the custom refinished blue and scattered dings overall, some fading of the markings, and mild handling marks and edge wear. The refinished panels show some light scuffing. 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.