This is a very good example of an original late WWII Nazi MP44 fully automatic assault rifle. The "bnz" Steyr code rifle are fairly rare as most of these were actually manufactured by the C.G. Haenel and ERMA Werke factories. This weapon was really the first true production assault rifle. It is estimated that approximately 300,000 manufactured before the war ended by three primary companies: C.G. Haenel, ERMA Werke and Mauser. They used numerous subcontracted parts usually assembled by one of the prime contractors. They fired the new and innovative 7.92x33mm Kurz intermediate length cartridge, which was basically a shortened 8mm Mauser cartridge. The concept with this weapon and cartridge was that by using a shorter/lighter cartridge that average German soldier could carry more ammunition but still had the capability of firing in both semi and fully automatic mode, with a greater, more effective range than the standard MP40 SMG. The side of the magazine well is stamped with serial number "9476/44" (indicating production in 1944) with the model "MP44" stamped farther back on the upper section of the receiver. It is correctly matching serial numbered on the bolt, buttstock attaching piece, and trigger group housing. The remaining parts all appear to be unnumbered. The barrel cross pin is still staked in place, so it had not been messed with. The underside of the receiver is stamped with "bnz", along with a double "eagle WaA623" Waffenamt proof, indicating it was manufactured/assembled at the Steyr factory. It has an all blued metal finish and a solid walnut buttstock. It is complete with one 30 round magazine correctly stamped "MP-44" with subcontractor code "ayf/280" and an original WWII leather sling.