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LOT 3423
World War II Beretta Model 38/42 Submachine Gun,
Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable DEWAT Machine
Gun - Serial no. 2757, 9 mm cal., 8 inches fluted bbl., blue finish,
hardwood stock. Descendants of the World War I Villa-Perosa SMG, the variants
of the M38 earned a reputation as well made, potent close-quarters weapon,
strongly associated with hard-fighting units like the “Blackshirt” infantry assault
forces and the paratroopers. The 38/42 was a model streamlined for military
production, with a shorter stock, simplified muzzle brake, and no provision for
a dust cover for the magazine well. Blade front and two-leaf rear sights, with a
2-vent brake at the muzzle and a deeply fluted barrel. The mechanism is fitted
with dual triggers, the front with a disconnector for semi-automatic fire, the rear
for full automatic, and a two-position safety switch is installed on the left. Fitted
in a smooth pistol grip stock with steel buttplate. Includes a tan canvas sling and consignor supplied newspaper article with a picture and article about their relative who likely brought this machine gun home from World War II, although unverified at the current time of writing. CONDITION: Very good as deactivated, with brown patina overall and scattered surface corrosion, and otherwise clear markings in the metal. Stock is very good with scattered scuffs and handling marks, a crack at the toe, and otherwise defined edges. The breech end of the barrel is plugged and welded, and the extractor is absent, otherwise the bolt cycles but does not properly remain in the open bolt position due to an absent sear catch on bottom. NOTE: This is a registered DEWAT weapon with the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), as a National Firearms Act
(NFA) weapon, that is fully transferable. It has been classified as a Curio 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.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3424
Impressive and Extremely Rare World War II German Armorer’s Tool Chest
as Pictured in “Pistole Parabellum” - Identified under the nomenclature
“Grosser Waffenmeisterwerkzeugkasten fuer MG und Handwaffen” (Large
Armorer’s Toolchest for Machine Guns and Small Arms), a toolchest of this style
would be used in the field to keep military weapons up and running to the
maximum extent. The primary emphasis would be on issued handguns like the
08 Luger and the Walther P-38, variants on the K98 rifle, and Germany’s assorted
machine guns, with appropriate spare parts kits supplying the raw materials.
Kits of this style would be used in both world wars. This particular example is set
up in a tan painted hardwood chest, with multiple file, drill bit and rod holders
integrated into the lid, a number of removable trays set into the main body to hold
small hand tools and gauges, and a primary compartment containing drills, hammers,
and similar large tools. The contents appear to come from multiple sources; many are marked with “WaA” Waffenamt markings, while others have commercial marks. This kit can be seen on pages 1002 and 1003 of Goertz & Sturgess’s classic “Pistole Parabellum” (volume 2).
CONDITION: Fine overall. The case and the contents show wear consistent with age and use. A rare piece of essential military kit from the World Wars, which would make an excellent companion piece to any collection of German military weaponry. Estimate: 9,000 - 15,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK PISTOLE PARABELLUM VOL. II BY GOERTZ & STURGESS
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