This is an example of a early WWII German MG-34 light machine gun as used by all German forces throughout WWII. These were developed in 1934/35 by the Rheinmetall company and were considered as an excellent and very reliable machine gun, however, they proved to be too costly and time consuming to produce. They were eventually replaced with the later stamped and machined MG-42s. These weapons featured all machined parts that were in many cases hand fitted with exacting tolerances. The top of the barrel jacket is marked "ar-41/3264d", indicating manufacture by the Mauser factory in Borgiswalde outside Berlin. It is fitted with the original folding bipod, front sight and tangent rear marked 2-20 (200-2,000 meters) and is fitted with the red bakelite buttstock. This example is very scarce in that it has mostly matching numbered parts to include the receiver, barrel jacket, top cover and the rear collar on the end of the receiver. The buttstock is from another weapon, which probably indicates it was a veteran bring back as the buttstock was removed so it could be fitted into something smaller and the remaining internal parts appear to have mixed serial numbers. At some point in time the front upper edge of the trigger has been welded into the trigger housing so you can't pull the bolt to the rear of the weapon, making it non-operative at this point. This lot does not include any other parts or accessories, however there are many other replacement parts available on the secondary market.

Very good overall with traces of the blue finish still remaining. The entire exposed metal surfaces now show a gray patina mixed with some light rusted areas, indicating that this weapon probably saw some significant use during the war, and as noted was probably just a bring back war trophy at some point. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is 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.