This is a fine example of a WWI era German M.P.18 I SMG manufactured by the Theodor Bergmann factory. The model was designed by Hugh Schmeisser in 1917 and first appeared in early 1918 and was only used on a limited basis during WWI. After WWI, they were considered significant war items and were specifically banned/restricted under the Treaty of Versailles. It is a straight blow back type weapon firing the standard 9 mm Luger cartridge. It has a heavy tubular receiver and barrel jacket with a heavy round bolt that used a fixed firing pin. The various parts and assemblies were all subcontracted out to smaller companies, with the Bergmann factory doing the final assembly and testing. The top of the receiver it stamped: "M.P.18,I./Crown/2381". The left side is marked: "THEODORE BERGMANN ABT. WAFFENBAU SUHL." The receiver and barrel jacket are fitted with a fixed blade front sight with a 2 position (200 and 300 meters) rear sight. It has a one-piece walnut stock with finger grooves on the sides with a flat stamped steel buttplate. It has matching visible numbers on the various parts. This SMG comes with its original leather sling and three original Bing Brothers Luger drum magazines with three adapters for use on this weapon and one drum loading tool. It also included a very scarce stamped front sight/muzzle cover similar to the type used on GEW and K98 rifles.

Fine with 50% of the original blue finish overall showing considerable thinning and blue loss on top of the receiver tube and perforated barrel jacket. The stock shows signs of an old light sanding on the sides and then having been revarnished. Mechanically excellent. 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. Updated Information: there is a slight stress/age crack starting at the right rear edge of the receiver locking latch, in the wood.