This is an excellent example of an original WWII German MP40 Submachine gun as used by all German forces. The MP40 SMG was highly prized as a war trophies during WWII and are probably the easily recognized and sought-after WWII SMG today. Typically they are called a "Schmeisser" however are actually a Machine Pistole which comes from the Germans model of "MP". They used many wartime stampings combined with limited machined parts to reduce manufacturing time and reduce cost. They were produced by three factories; Erma-Werkes, Haenel and Steyr, with this example produced by the Steyr factory in 1941. The rear receiver end cap is stamped with: "MP40/bnz/41/817c". The left side of the receiver tube, barrel nut and barrel are all stamped with serial number "817c" with the appropriate "WaA623" Waffenamt proofs. It has the traditional dark red bakelite grips and dark brown lower receiver cover. The trigger housing, folding buttstock, rear sight are bolt and firing pin and spring assembly are all correctly serial numbered "817c" This MP40 is complete with one original WWII MP40 Erma manufacture magazine (27 proofed on the back side) that is stamped "MP 38u.40" on the lower left side.