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LOT 1335
Rare World War II Spreewerke VG2 “Volksgewehr” Bolt Action Last Ditch Rifle - Serial no. 7809, 8 mm
cal., 21 inch round bbl., blue finish, gumwood stock. Developed at the tail end of World War II, the “volksturm” weapons were part of a project to create greatly simplified substitutes for the conventional infantry weapons of the day to arm the second and third line troops called up
for the final defense of Germany. Stripped to the bone
of all unneeded features and made with zero regard for aesthetics, speed of production and raw functionality as a weapon were the only concerns. While capable weapons, few VG variants caught the eye of Allied trophy hunters or
commercial exporters, frequently passed up for the (undeniably prettier and more iconic) Model 98 rifle, resulting in few examples being available on the modern market. The VG2 in particular makes very heavy use of stamped sheet metal, with the bulk of the receiver constructed from a single stamping and a mix of stamped and machined internal components welded and pinned into place, somewhat presaging the construction of rifles like the CETME/G3 or the AK47. The barrel bears a “bky” (Boehmische Waffenfabrik AG, Czechoslovakia) stamp and “41” date, and appears to be a discarded or blemished machine gun barrel pressed into service, with the muzzle counter-bored and a hooded blade sight installed. The stamped receiver has a notch rear sight screwed into a tubular housing, with “7809” on the left side, and is configured to accept the K43/G43 magazine; one “avx” marked K43 magazine is included. The bolt is of tubular steel construction with a pair of locking lugs (oriented similar to an MG34), a braised-in straight bolt handle, and a simplified firing pin with a metal sear hook instead of a traditional cocking piece. The stock is two piece construction, with the forearm and buttstock both permanently bolted to the receiver, with a cupped steel buttplate and a brown leather sling.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 85% of the original blue finish, with mild spotting and handling marks. The receiver retains the correct rough, unpolished surface, with heavier oxidization. Mild dents and scuffs are present on the sanded, stained wood, with a small crack forming in the underside of the wrist. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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