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Outstanding Highly Desirable Fully Automatic Class III/NFA World War II Nazi Early Production MP43/1

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:12,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 37,500.00 USD
Outstanding Highly Desirable Fully Automatic Class III/NFA World War II Nazi Early Production MP43/1
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Outstanding Highly Desirable Fully Automatic Class III/NFA World War II Nazi Early Production MP43/1 Assault Rifle

This is an excellent example of an original WWII German MP43/1 assault rifle. This rifle is actually an early or transition model from the MKb 42 assault rifle to the standard MP43 configuration. This example is easily identified by the longer exposed front section of the barrel that has a “1 inch” long threaded muzzle and muzzle nut that was designed for use with a screw on grenade launchers and blank firing devices. This feature was later dropped in all subsequent production models as they were fitted with a shorter “½ inch” threaded muzzle for use with a “clamp on” type device. These assault rifles are considered to be the true “first” production, assault rifle ever manufactured with approximately 300,000 manufactured before the war ended. One of the most unique/important features of these rifles is that they used a shortened 8mm cartridge, (7.92 X 33mm Kurz) which ushered in a whole new generation of intermediate length, assault rifle cartridges in the postwar years. This family of assault rifles was intended to replace both the MP40 SMGs and the 98k rifles, based on the theory that a Nazi soldier could carry more ammo with a longer effective range capability (200-600) than the 9mm as used in the MP40s; but with a higher sustained volume of firepower than the 98K rifle. The weapons are a marvel of wartime expedient manufacturing techniques using various types of parts produced from fully machined and manufactured parts (the barrel) to various sheet-metal stampings, pinned or welded to together, to rough forged castings with minimal machining. The only non-metal parts were the simple slab-sided wooden butt stock and the bakelite pistol grip panels. The left side of the magazine well is stamped: “3570 c/43” with the upper part of the receiver stamped “MP43/1". The front underside of the receiver is stamped "cos" indicating manufacture at the Merzwerke, Gebr, werks in Merz Frankfurt; who also supplied various other stamped parts from 1942 to 1945. That is followed by a small "fxo/Eagle/ WaA44” Waffenamt, the wartime manufacturers code for the C.G. Haenel factory in Suhl and the inspector stamp for the receiver, followed by a single "Eagle/WaA37" Waffenamt, acceptance proof by the Haenel factory. The left side of the trigger housing is stamped with a single “awt/WaA21” acceptance proof for the Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik A.G., who made the stamping for the trigger housing, along with the matching serial number “3570 c” on the tail of the housing. Additionally the exposed section of the barrel has several “Eagle/37” Waffenamt and Eagle firing proof. It has an all blued finish with the bolt and bolt carrier assembly still in the white with an original early walnut butt stock. This very desirable MP43 is complete with one original, all blued, early “MP 43” marked 30 round magazine, with the right side marked “bte/Eagle/WaA 686” Waffenamt proof.

Manufacture: Haenel C G
Model: MP43/1
BBL: 16" round
Stock: wood
Gauge: 7.92 x 33mm Kurz
Finish: blue
Grips: bakelite
Serial Number: 3570c

Very fine condition with 70% of the original blue finish, thinning and showing light wear on the sides of the upper receiver where it was carried, mixed with some browning of the forearm/heat shield. The pistol grips and stock are very fine plus with minimal handling marks overall with their nice original finish. This scarce assault rifle has all matching numbers and is fully operational never having been altered or dewatted and is certainly an extremely nice all original WWII Transitional MP43/1 Assault rifle. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), Fully Automatic Weapon that is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF&E) that has been 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. Before bidding on this item, it is the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder/Class 3 FFL holder to understand and comply with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.