This is a solid example of a late WWII Nazi MP44 fully automatic/NFA assault rifle. This weapon is considered the grandfather of all assault rifles and was the first true production assault rifle with approximately 300,000 manufactured before the war ended. These rifles use the 7.92 X 33mm Kurz, intermediate length cartridge that is basically a shortened 8mm Mauser cartridge, that ushered in a whole new era of assault rifles after WWII. The theory being that it could fire in both semi and fully automatic, using a shorter/lighter cartridge so that the German soldier could carry more ammunition, with a greater, more effective range than the standard MP40 SMG. This example has had a rare ZF4 scope mounting base spot welded to the right rear side of the receiver, directly behind the ejection port. In 1944, these rifles were tested for use as a sudo-sniper rifle but were rejected as not being accurate enough. The side of the magazine well is stamped with serial number 9800/44b (indicating production in 1944) with the model "MP44" stamped farther on the upper section of the receiver. The underside of the receiver is stamped with "bnz" indicating it was manufactured at the Steyr factory. It also has a double "Eagle WaA623" waffenamt proof from the Steyr factory. It is currently fitted with a early reproduction ZF4 mount that is stamped with a single WaA359 waffenamt on the center of the mount, that was numbered "6645", which was lined out and then renumbered (post war) with "9800". The mount is fitted with a ZF4 scope that is marked: "Gw ZF 4/71939//ddx". It has mixed phosphate/parkerized upper receiver with a blue trigger group. It has a laminated buttstock assembly. It is complete with six, 40 round magazines, stored in two, late war green canvas magazine pouches and a wooden reproduction ZF4 scope case (numbered to the scope), a shoulder strap for the case and a reproduction rain shield. The MP44 is complete with an original WWII web sling.