This is a good example of a WWII German MP-44 assault rifle that was manufactured by the C.G. Haenel factory. The underside of the receiver is stamped with "cos" which stands for Merzwerke, Gebr. Merz Frankfurt (who was a supplier of stamped parts from 1942 to 1945) and an "Eagle WaA37" Waffenamt proof. This series of assault rifles were the first true production assault rifles as they could fire in both a fully automatic and semi-automatic modes. The goal was to provide the German soldier shorter/lighter cartridges that still had a greater effective range than the MP40s but with a higher rate of fire than the standard K98 rifle. There were approximately 300,000 manufactured before the end of WWII, all chambered for the new 7.92x33mm Kurz round (basically a shortened 7.92x57mm cartridge). By using the shortened intermediate length cartridge, this design ushered in a whole new generation of assault rifles after WWII. They used wartime expedient manufacturing techniques, such as a sheet-metal stamped receiver and trigger housing that was welded or pinned together with minimal machined internal parts, i.e. the bolt and barrel. They also used a simple slab-sided wooden buttstock and the bakelite pistol grip panels. The original serial number "1861u" is stamped on the left side of the magazine housing with "MP44" stamped on the upper side. It is complete with one original magazine stamped "fxo" and "MP44" on the left side.

Good with 20% plus of the original blue finish still remaining, with the balance a gray/brown patina finish mixed with light rust on all the surface of the metal. The refinished buttstock is in very good condition with a light color walnut with minor handling marks on the sides. Currently, it is missing the sheet metal forend that covers the barrel and gas cylinder, the muzzle nut and front sight cover. 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.