This is an extremely rare example of a late WWII German manufactured submachine gun that was a wartime copy of the British STEN MkII submachine gun. These were originally designed by the Mauser factory and subsequently manufactured by three unidentified companies with the wartime codes of "tvw, TJK and rde", following the same basic war expedient methodology as used on the VK98 Rifles and VG series of "Volksturm" weapons and assault rifles. They were designed to provide a fully functional and efficient weapons using the remaining wartime manufacturing process available in the last days of the Third Reich. The design was based on captured British STEN submachine guns that used a simple stamped and welded tube receiver, with the stamped internal components mated to a fully machine bolt and barrel. The major difference between this weapon and the British SMG is the vertical magazine well ( to accommodate the MP40 magazines) and the permanently installed (pinned in) trigger components. It used a pinned in barrel, a fixed stamped front sight, a rudimentary rear peep sight on top of the rear receiver ring, and a standard push button selector. This example is fitted with a simple stamped "loop" type buttstock identical to the British STEN gun. The only markings on the complete weapon are stamped on the left rear side of the receiver ring which are "rde 45", which is the (unidentifiable secret wartime code for the factory that produced the weapon, along with "45" for the year of manufacture. It is complete with one original blued "M.P.38 u.40" marked submachine gun magazine.

Very fine with 85% plus refinished medium gray phosphate/parkerized type finish, showing areas of brown oxidation on the loop stock and rear areas of the receiver tube. The receiver and barrel show evidence of having been re-activated after being plugged and welded with a replacement barrel cross-pin through the front barrel ring, with a slight heat signature on top of the receiver. 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.