3016

**WWII BRING-BACK GERMAN MP-40 FORMERLY USED IN COMMISSION OF A ROBBERY IN ELLSWORTH, MAINE(C&R).

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
**WWII BRING-BACK GERMAN MP-40 FORMERLY USED IN COMMISSION OF A ROBBERY IN ELLSWORTH, MAINE(C&R).
SN IRS1006. Cal. 9 mm. 10" bbl. This MP-40 has an interesting history. As related by the consignor, this MP-40 was taken out of Germany by a veteran and brought back devoid of SN on receiver, bbl or lower assembly. The lower is marked "fxo 41", indicating C.G. Haenel manufacture in 1941, with a eagle over "165" proof mark. However the swing out shoulder assembly is marked "ayf" with eagle over "280" proof mark, indicating ERMA manufacture. The telescoping firing pin and spring housing and firing pin are also of ERMA manufacture with an eagle over "280" proof mark on each and also the small numbers "27". The early "hook type" bolt is also marked "ayf" with eagle over "280" proof mark with no SN. The magazine housing and receiver tube are marked for Steyr manufacture, "bnz" with eagle over "623" proof mark. Muzzle nut and sling keeper are marked for C.G. Haenel. Bbl is marked for Steyr with "bnz" and eagle over "623" proof mark. Final eagle proof is at left side of bbl just forward of bbl nut. There is an unusual star/sunburst shaped proof mark about 1-1/2" forward of bbl nut on left side. Bbl resting hook and front sight hood are marked for Steyr. Rear sight is marked for ERMA with number "864" on the flip up leaf sight. The other markings on this weapon are the applied IRS number which was used to register this firearm. This number is on the bbl and end cap of lower assembly. All parts appear to be of correct vintage for this weapon. Included with this lot are 6 orig MP-40 magazines and loader marked "GHN40" in orig mag pouches. Two of the magazines have had a fabric string wrapped around their lower portion to aid as a handle. Four of the magazines are marked "98E41" and two are marked "KUR43". Consignor states that this gun was stolen from under a veteran's bed in his camp in Maine and that this weapon was subsequently utilized in an armed robbery in Ellsworth, ME. The perpetrator was eventually caught and the consignor was called as an expert witness to match fired cartridge cases to this machine gun. Copy of 1955 Bangor Daily News article accompanies this lot. Gun was eventually registered with an IRS number after consignor acquired it from the detective in charge of the case. Firing mechanism function smoothly when operated by hand. This weapon appears fully functional. PROVENANCE: Collection of Carl "Bill" Morrison. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is rather poor with significant pitting to the swing out shoulder loop and along top of receiver tube as well as significant loss of finish there and on the bbl assembly. The bbl resting bar is a pot metal and quite rough to the touch. Internally the bolt and telescoping mainspring tube is in fine to very fine condition, the bolt especially retaining deep blue finish in areas where it does not contact receiver tube. Bore has some shine but is frosty. Interior of receiver tube could use a good cleaning. Finish on magazines is consistent with rest of this arm. Orig sling rates about good to very good, is soft and supple and serviceable, and is ink marked "MP38u40". This gun's interesting provenance could more than make up for what it lacks in condition. 4-48655 JWK13