This is a very fine example of a early German MG-34 light machine gun as used throughout WWII by all German forces. The MG34 was originally developed in 1934/35 by the Rheinmetall company with several thousand being manufactured by several factories throughout WWII. They were an excellent and extremely reliable light/medium machine that featured all machined parts that were, in many cases, hand fitted with exacting tolerances. They proved to be too costly and time consuming to produce and were eventually replaced by the later MG-42 which exhibited numerous war improvements such as the stamped and welded/riveted receiver. Although eventually replaced/supplemented by the MG42, the MG34 was used right up to the end of the war in 1945. This example was manufactured in 1943 by the Czech factory in BRNO code "dot". The barrel jacket is stamped "dot/43" on top along with serial number "7821" with the appropriate WaA63 Czech (BRNO) factory waffenamt proof marks. The top of the rear of the receiver is also correctly serial numbered "7821" along with the appropriate "WaA63" Waffenamt proofs. The freed tray cover appears to be a correct late wartime or early post war manufacture that also is correctly serial numbered "7821" however it does not carry any final proof and acceptance marks. Currently it does include the buffer assembly, recoil spring and housing catch assembly however it lacks the wooden buttstock portion (only) and it is also missing the complete cocking assembly on the right side. It does include the complete bolt assembly that is correctly marked on top with "dot" indicating manufacture at the BRNO factory, however it has two different etched serial numbers on top. It is fitted with the standard tangent rear sight marked 2-20 (200-2,000 meters) and the folding front sight, flash hider and recoil assist. It is not uncommon to find these type of weapons with missing or mismatched bolt assemblies as that is what was removed by either the Germans or the capturing GI. There is a small Inter-American importer mark "SAC 10 CA./GERMANY" on the front, underside area of the receiver.