This is a scarce variation of the Reising Model 50 wood stock SMG, know as the Model 55. The Model 50 (and subsequent model 55) were developed just before WWII and were used throughout until 1945. This paratrooper version was specifically developed for the United States Marine Corps during WWII for issue to Marine Paratroopers, Raiders and vehicle crewmen. Though lighter and maybe a little more accurate than the Thompson SMG, the Reising had reliability and maintenance issues during jungle warfare, with many being returned Stateside for use by police, and guard personnel in Defense plants guarding war material. This example is fully functional and looks like it would be a show stopper at the range. These are a fairly simple blow-back operated weapon with a short finned barrel like a Thompson to aid in cooling. The top of the receiver is marked "MODEL 55 H&R REISING --- CAL 45/HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO./WORCHESTER MASS.U.S.A. PAT PENDING". Directly below the rear sight is marked "SAFE/SA/FA", for safe, semi-automatic and full automatic. It has the simple sheet metal adjustable peep type rear sight and a fixed blade front sight. It is fitted with a very nice walnut stock and short folding wire buttstock. There is a single sling swivel on the grip cap and front forend. It comes with one single 20 round magazine.

Very fine as plated with 97% of the chrome plating remaining. The walnut stock is in excellent condition showing no handling marks and having a very nice high polish chrome finish. It appears that this SMG was intended to be a display model. 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) that 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.