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LOT 1363
Steyr “bnz” Code 1943 Production MG42 General Purpose Machine Gun, Class III/NFA
C&R Fully Transferable, with Field Mount and Accessories - Serial no. 251, 8 mm cal., 24 inch
round bbl., blue finish, synthetic stock. One of the signature weapons of World War II, the German
MG42 machine gun was one of the best infantry weapons of the war, blending portability and intense
firepower, while also being more streamlined in production than earlier weapons. Dubbed “Hitler’s
Buzzsaw” and “the Linoleum Ripper”, the MG42’s high cyclic rate of up to 1,200 rounds
per minute gave it a distinct and intimidating sound, very alien to American and
Commonwealth troopers trained with and around slower-firing weapons; at that
speed, individual gunshots are replaced with a steady, disturbing roar. Along
with firepower, the MG42 provided versatility, able to serve as a fixed position
weapon like the U.S. M1919 or as an individually wielded weapon during
tactical maneuver like the American BAR or British Bren Gun. The 42’s life
went on after the war, continuing in service with the West German
armed forces rechambered for NATO-standard calibers, and being
used alongside the FG42 as inspiration for the development of
the American M60. Folding blade front and tangent rear sights
are installed on the full length barrel shroud, along with a
screw-on flash hider, folding bipod, and a quick-release
barrel mechanism. A machined trunnion connects the
stamped shroud to the stamped receiver, which bears the
manufacturer markings on the left side, with a set of ribbed
pistol grips, two-position push-button safety switch, and a synthetic
buttstock. Included with the lot is a 1943-dated folding field mount,
green painted anti-aircraft tripod, five extra barrels, ammo can,
lengths of non-disintegrating belt, and assorted small parts.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 90% of the refinished blue, showing mild
wear and handling marks overall. Some components show peened/
struck-off German proofs. The grips and stock are also very fine
and show mild wear and handing. The straps are absent and
the leather pads are disintegrating, otherwise the mount and
tripod are in very good order, and the small parts are rough,
with some rust and some incompatible components
mixed in. Mechanically excellent. 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 479.
Estimate: 30,000 - 45,000
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