This is a beautiful example of an original WWII German transitional MP43/44 assault rifle that has been rendered inoperable and is registered as a DEWAT. This weapon is considered to be the first true production assault rifle and used the new intermediate length 7.92 X 33 mm Kurz cartridge. This was truly a revolutionary design with approximately 300,000 weapons manufactured and fielded before the end of WWII. They ushered in a whole new generation of assault rifles in the post-war years that fired an intermediate length cartridge, the most famous being the Russian AK47. 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 magazine well areas is stamped: "4102p/44" and the upper receiver is stamped "MP43". The underside of the receiver is stamped with "cos" , the wartime code for the Merzwerke, Gebr. Merz Frankfurt, who was a supplier of stamped parts from 1942 to 1945, and "ce" for the J. P Sauer and Sohn factory that actually assembled this weapon. In addition, there are several smaller Waffenamt firing proofs, a "WaA444" and "Eagle/37". The buttstock and lower trigger housing group are both correctly stamped with serial number "4102p". It has blue finish and the bolt and bolt carrier assembly still in the white. This weapon is complete with one original WWII German magazine and a rare small field manual that was stored inside the buttstock.

Very fine as deactivated with 85% of the original blue finish with edge and high spot wear overall from field use. The walnut stock is in fine condition with a nice dark color overall showing minor/light pressure dents on the sides and underside. This weapon has been rendered inoperable by welding up the firing pin hole and the face of the bolt and also welding a plug inside the chamber area, flush with the end of the barrel. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), Fully Automatic Weapon that is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF&E) and 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.