Developed by Bergmann in the early 1930s, the MP35/I is a fine example of the type of heavily machined, wood stocked submachine gun that was the state of the art manufacturing prior to the introduction of the stamped sheet metal guns. It is an open bolt, blow-back weapon that uses a "bolt action" type non-reciprocating cocking piece to initially load the weapon. Similar to some early German semi-auto military rifles, the charging handle locks down and to the right when firing, and to charge the user lifts up, pulls back, and returns the handle, with the bolt locking in the open position in the process. A dual action trigger mechanism is at work; with the finger high on the trigger the weapon fires in semi-automatic, but placing the finger low also engages a sear catch that disengages the disconnector and produces full automatic fire. Two safeties are installed on the left side of the receiver, one locking the bolt in the closed position as a drop safety, the other disabling the trigger, both marked "F" and "S" in the proper locations. The left side of the receiver bears the model nomenclature and serial number, along with a highly desirable "eagle/SSZZA1" SS proof and "JR" monogram; the JR mark is associated with the firm Junkers & Rue, a supplier of SMGs to the SS. Blade front sight, tangent rear sight, and smooth hardwood stock with forearm grasping grooves, steel buttplate, and a brown leather sling.

Fine, with 60% of the blue finish, showing areas of spotting and brown patina, bright edge wear, and mild handling marks. The stock is good, with a number of scuffs and dents overall and cracking at the wrist and buttplate. The magazine catch needs repair, otherwise mechanically functions fine. 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.