This is an example of a German MG-34 light machine gun that was used throughout WWII by all German forces. This example was manufactured in 1943 by the BRNO factory in Czechoslovakia and is correctly stamped "dot/43" on top of the barrel jacket. These were developed prior to WWII by the Rheinmetall company with fielding being started in 1934/35. 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. However, they proved to be too costly and time consuming to produce under the continuing demands of WWII. They were eventually replaced by the later MG-42 which exhibited the war improvements of a stamped and welded/riveted receiver and some stamped internal parts. The top of the barrel jacket is marked with serial number "1499c" which is also stamped on top of the freed tray cover, the buttstock extension, and buttstock. It is currently missing the complete bolt and recoil spring assembly, and it has the original folding bipod, front sight and tangent rear marked 2-20 (200-2,000 meters) and is fitted with the wooden buttstock. 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. This weapon is complete with a leather sling.