Lot 549: WWII MAGET/"cra" MG42 Machine Gun w/Accessories

This is an example of a WWII German MG42 light machine gun as manufactured during WWII. This fairly rare example was manufactured in 1944 by the MAGET (Maschinen und Geraetetbau GmbH) factory in Berlin. These were a lightweight, easily transportable, medium machine gun that served as the backbone of all German forces. Of all the German machine guns during WWII this model was probably the most feared weapon on the battlefield, due to the extremely high cyclic rate of fire which was approximately 1,200 rounds per minute. Due to that the GIs termed them "Hitler’s Buzz Saw", because of indistinguishable individual rounds being fired. This model was an improvement over the MG-34 in both manufacturing time, cost and actual use on the battlefield. All models used new manufacturing techniques such as a machined receiver/trunnion section that was welded/riveted together with a perforated barrel jacket and stamped top cover to form the complete receiver assembly. The bolt and barrel were made from traditional machined parts, with a stamped and welded trigger housing with bakelite pistol grip plates and a walnut buttstock. They were so efficiently mass produced that the German factories manufactured well over 400,000 before the end of the war. This weapon used two innovative features, such as the new delayed roller-block locking system with a quick change barrel. This model was made by four primary companies: Mauser, Steyr, Gustloff Werke, and MAGET of Berlin. The left side of the receiver is marked "NC/MG 42/6660I/cra", the wartime code for the MAGET factory. It has an original folding front sight and tangent rear marked 2-20 (200-2,000 meters). It comes with a spare WWII German MG42 barrel and carrier, antiaircraft mount with sighting device, a post war Lafette folding ground/tripod with a very desirable HENSOLDT/WETZLAR scope stored inside the accessory can, a drum magazine carrier with two drum magazines. It is complete with its original, WWII, folding bipod, and a leather carrying sling.

Fine condition with 85% plus of a refurbished dark blue/black arsenal type finish on the majority of the metal parts with minor/light edge and high spot wear with signs of light firing with clear sharp markings. The walnut buttstock is in very good condition with handling marks on the sides. The various accessories are all in very fine condition. 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.