This is a very fine example of a very rare, fully automatic, fully registered WWII British Lanchester Mark I * (modified) SMG as manufactured by the Sterling Engineering Company, in Essex. This model was designed in early 1940 by George Lanchester, and was used exclusively by the British Navy throughout the war. These SMGs were a direct copy of the early German MP28 II, except for a couple of minor changes to the basic design of the weapon. The internals were identical to the MP28 with the earlier Lanchester models having a repositioned selector switch, which was moved to the front of the trigger guard. Later in the war the selector switch was completely eliminated making them a fully automatic weapon only, with all previously fielded SMGs so modified. These were redesigned SMGs and were marked "Mark I * ", as in this example. The two unique features of this weapon is that the magazine housing was completely made from all brass and the barrel jacket has a permanently attached bayonet lug on the underside for the British 1907 pattern bayonet. The top of the magazine housing is marked "LANCHESTER/MK. I *./58602/M/94CF 76". It has the standard WWII fixed front sight with a two-position (100 and 200 meter) adjustable rear sight. It has an original Enfield pattern walnut stock with finger grooves on the sides. This is a very robust and heavily designed SMG, that was probably very easy to control. This weapon does not include a magazine, however they can be easily acquired on the commercial market.

Very fine with 98% of the professionally restored blue finish remaining on the barrel jacket/receiver with clear sharp markings. The brass magazine well is excellent with a nice original brass patina. The stock is also very fine having been arsenal refurbished, and still showing some minor handling marks and light pressure dents overall. A very nice example of scarce WWII British Navy issue SMG. 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 Curio 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.