Lot 552: WWII German MP-40 Submachine Gun

The MP-40 SMGs were highly prized as war trophies during WWII and are even more desirable today, with this example manufactured in 1942, by the Steyr factory. Historically these have been called a "Schmeisser" due to the Allies misconceptions of the origins of the design; however, they were actually identified by the Germans as a "Machine Pistol" hence the "MP" model designation based on the fact that they fired a 9mm Parabellum cartridge. They are a blow-back weapon that fires from an open bolt at a cyclic rate of approximately 500 rpm. They were produced by three primary companies (Steyr, Erma, and C. G. Haenel) from 1940 through late 1945. These weapons were widely used throughout all of WWII by all German forces with over 1 million MP-40s to be produced before the end of the war. This is an early production model that is marked on the rear receiver cap: "MP 40/bnz/42". It has the standard stamped sheet metal receiver with the later ribbed magazine housing with the machined bolt and barrel assembly. The major components are all stamped with the main serial number (55g) with the various other smaller parts stamped with a derivative of that like "55". It is fitted with the traditional dark red bakelite grips and lower receiver cover. This MP40 is complete with one original WWII MP40 type 30 round magazine that is marked "MP 38 u40".

Fine with 95% of a dipped refinished blue type finish remaining overall with only very minor edge and high spot wear with some very fine erosion/pitting on the underside of the receiver tube. The plastic components are all in very fine condition and the gun has matching numbers throughout to include the bolt and firing pin assembly. 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.