This is a very nice example of an original WWII German transitional MP43/44 assault rifle. This weapon is considered to be the first true production assault rifle, as it used an intermediate length cartridge, the 7.92 X 33 mm Kurz round. With approximately 300,000 weapons manufactured and fielded before the end of WWII, these weapons ushered in a whole new generation of assault rifles in the post-war years which fired an intermediate length cartridge. These weapons were intended to replace the MP40 series of submachine guns and were a marvel of wartime expedient manufacturing techniques using metal parts that are either sheet-metal stampings or rough forged castings with minimal machined parts or components. The only non-metal parts were the simple slab-sided wooden buttstock and the bakelite pistol grip panels. The left side of the receiver is stamped with "1048h/44" with the upper receiver stamped "MP43". The underside of the receiver is stamped with "cos" (which was the wartime code for the Merzwerke, Gebr. Merz Frankfurt) who was a supplier of stamped parts from 1942 to 1945, along with a single Eagle firing proof and a "WaA444" and "Eagle/37" Waffenamt proofs. It has an all blue finish with the bolt and bolt carrier assembly still in the white. This weapon is complete with an original WWII German leather sling, but no magazines.

Arsenal refurbished/deactivated with 98% of a dipped blue finish with minor edge and high spot wear. The wooden stock is also very good plus with minimal handling marks. The upper and lower receivers and buttstock assemblies are matching and the remaining parts are unnumbered. A very nice example of a desirable WWII MP44 Assault rifle. NOTE: This item is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, which has been 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 478. Before bidding on this item it is the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder/Class 3 FFL holder to comply and understand with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.