This is an example of “one of the three” desirable WWII Sturmgewehr assault rifles we have to offer in this auction. This example is a relatively scarce model in that it has the standard ‘MP 43” markings but it was actually made in 1944. These were the first true production assault rifle ever manufactured in the world, which used the new intermediate length, 7.92X33mm Kurz rifle cartridge that spawned the development of several new assault rifles in the post-war years. This series of assault rifles were eventually intended to replace both the MP40 SMGs and the K98 rifles based on the theory that the German soldiers could utilize a fully automatic rifle, which fired a more effective cartridge than the 9mm (as used in the MP40s) with a greater range capability (200-600) but with less weight than the standard 7.92 (8mm) cartridge as used in and with the 98K. These rifles are marvel of wartime expedient manufacturing as they used “state of the art” manufacturing techniques in 1942/43 that are considered common place today. They used a combination of sheet metal stampings, pinned or welded together, rough forged castings with minimal machining of the parts or components, and the traditional fully machined and rifled barrels. The only non-metal parts were the simple slab-sided wooden buttstock and the bakelite pistol grip panels. The left side of the receiver is marked “4627d/44 with the upper receiver stamped "MP43", which indicates production in early 1944. The front underside of the receiver is stamped: "cos" indicating manufacture at the Merzwerke, Gebr, werks in Merz Frankfurt; who also supplied various other stamped parts from 1942 to 1945. That is followed by a small "fxo/Eagle/ WaA44” Waffenamt, the wartime manufacturers code for the C.G. Haenel factory in Suhl and the inspector stamp for the receiver, followed by a single "Eagle/WaA37" Waffenamt, acceptance proof by the Haenel factory. The left side of the trigger housing is stamped with a single “awt/WaA21” acceptance proof for the Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik A.G., who made the stamping for the trigger housing, along with the matching serial number “4627d” on the tail of the housing. Additionally the exposed section of the barrel has several “Eagle/37” Waffenamt and Eagle firing proof. It has an all blue finish with the bolt, bolt carrier assembly still in the white, European walnut butt stock, and bakelite grips. It is complete with one original, “fxo/Eagle 37” marked MP43 magazine.

Fine condition with 40% of the original blue finish, thinning and showing even honest blue wear from actual use and firing, mixed with browning and light gray patina on the edges and high spots overall. The pistol grips and stock are also in fine condition with light handling marks, pressure dents, and scratches from use over the years with their nice original finish. This scarce assault rifle has all matching numbers and is fully operational and is certainly to be a primary piece in an advanced WWII machine gun collection. 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.