This is an excellent example of one of the most recognizable and most widely used submachine guns of WWII, the German MP-40 SMG. These were originally developed and fielded in 1938 and were used throughout WWII by all Germans forces and were manufactured by several companies. They were a very reliable and highly efficient submachine gun that was cheap and easy to manufacture. These were commonly called a Schmeisser by the Americans, and this example was manufactured by the Steyr factory in 1941. The rear of the lower receiver/buttstock group is stamped "MP 40/bnz. 41" over the serial number "5580g". The front end of the receiver/tube is correctly stamped with the matching full serial number (5580g) along with several "Eagle/WaA623" Waffenamt proofs on this part as well as on some of the other various parts. It has all matching numbers on the various parts except the bolt and firing pin assembly, which were commonly replaced parts, due to the usage and high rate of fire. Consequently each part is correctly stamped with either the full or partial (last three digits) of the serial number, except for the telescoping firing pin assembly as noted. It has the original dark brown bakelite lower receiver covers and pistol grip plates. The front underside of the receiver tube was correctly demilitarized by drilling a hole into the chamber and welding a plug. This SMG is accompanied by seven original WWII MP40 marked magazines in early style canvas magazine pouches, and six early post war unmarked magazines in post-war magazine pouches that also includes two magazine reloading tools and one post-war green leather magazine pouch.