Manufactured in 1949, this is the North Korean version of the famed PPSh-41 SMG. One of the signature weapons of World War II, the PPSh-41 would be introduced to a number of Soviet allies following the war, including North Korea and China, both of which took to the weapon very well. A robust and simplified design, the M49 makes heavy use of thick metal stampings to be both rapid to produce and rugged in the field, reportedly giving a very high (about 900-1000 RPM) rate of fire. These SMGs were ubiquitous during the Korean War, with both the North Koreans and Chinese putting them in heavy use, where they meshed very well with the combat doctrine of the day; while not as potent or accurate as the M1 Garand or M1 Carbine at longer ranges, an emphasis on night maneuver meant that a lot of engagements were happening at near contact distance, where the range and accuracy advantages of the Americans were nullified and the raw rate of fire of the 49 provided a critical edge. While eventually eclipsed by variants of the Kalashnikov rifle, PPSh variants remained active through Vietnam and reportedly even to the time of this writing with smaller organizations and non-state actors. The top of the receiver is stamped with the North Korea star inside a circle over "1949", with a fixed blade front sight, integral muzzle brake, and a two-leaf rear sight. The stock is hardwood, with a leather sling and a steel buttcap.

Fair. Nearly all of the surface shows a mixed brown and gray patina, with mild edge wear and handling marks. Numbers are mixed on some components, but the bolt is a match for the receiver. The stock shows mild wear, scuffs and stains. Some light "deactivation" work has been performed, particularly a weld in the breech that obstructs the chamber, and a pair of small tack welds that secure the barrel to the receiver; the exact composition of the welds is unknown, and the breech weld seems particularly shallow. No other apparent "dewat" work has been done, and the item is fully Form 4 registered as a machine gun; the bolt has not been welded in place or ground down, and the mechanism appears to be generally in good order. NOTE: This weapon is 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. Provenance: Brandhorst Collection