Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #48
  • Lot #1497
Lot #1496
Lot #1498

Lot 1497: Rare Late WWII VG1.5 Volkssturmgewehr Semi-Automatic Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 4, 2009

Lot 1497: Rare Late WWII VG1.5 Volkssturmgewehr Semi-Automatic Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 4, 2009

Estimated Price: $15,000 - $25,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Rare Late WWII VG1.5 Volkssturmgewehr Semi-Automatic Rifle

Manufacturer: Walther
Model: VG1.5
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 7.92 kurtz
Barrel: 16 inch round
Finish: phosphate
Grip:
Stock: beech
Item Views: 5244
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 321
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:

This is a very rare late WWII German VG1.5 or Volkssturmgewehr or "Peoples Assault Rifle" as manufactured by Gustloff-Werke in Suhl. These rifles were a late war development and designed along the same lines as the MP43 and MP44 series of rifles, which were intended to be an even cheaper and more simple method of supplying rifles to the home guards, especially in the Eastern part of German, that was subject to being overrun by the Russians. These rifles were made up primarily with all stamped sheet metal parts and components that were welded together or pinned to prevent disassembly, all which minimized the use of the already depleted German manufacturing resources. The only real machined parts on the entire rifle being the barrel, bolt head and various springs. These rifle were never officially sanctioned by the German Army and consequently will not have any acceptance proofs or markings. In fact they were kept in secret from Hitler who despised their crude and unrefined manufactured appearance. They were produced strictly on order from the Gauleiter in Thurgen which is the district of the Suhl factory and which is why they bear the "Th" stamp on the stock. It functions on a blow back operated basis that used the short 7.92 Kurz cartridge with a fluted chamber to aid in extraction. They have crude fixed blade rear sight with a simple post front sight and the forend and butt stock were roughed out of plain beech wood. As mentioned above the stock is stamped with "Th 9901" which probably was intended as the manufacturing serial number of the rifle. It is estimated that several thousands were manufactured and issued late in the war. The rifle is complete with one 30 round magazine that is marked "STG44" on the lower left side with a simple cloth or web type sling. Originally these rifle were finished with the late German phosphate type finish with the plain unfinished stock and forend.

Rating Definition:

Excellent overall with the metal parts correctly finished with a very thin phosphate. The stock and forend are both excellent, showing various handling marks and light pressure dents and dings in a few places. Certainly a very interesting late WWII Nazi semi-automatic rifle that would compliment the finest collection.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #1365: Two AR-15 Pattern Semi-Automatic Rifles

    Lot #445: Two PMF AR-15 Pattern Semi-Automatic Rifles

    Lot #441: Pre-Ban Colt AR-15 SP1 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Scope

    Lot #933: Two Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Rifles with Boxes

    Lot #1368: Two PMF AR-15 Pattern Semi-Automatic Pistols

    Lot #831: Remington Model 8 Semi-Automatic Rifle