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LOT 348
World War II German “cos” (Gebruder Merz) MP43 Sturmgewehr
Selective Fire Rifle, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun -
Serial no. 7744c/43, 7.92 cal., 16 inch round bbl., blue finish, wood stock. This is a fine example of
a desirable German MP43 Sturmgewehr assault rifle manufactured during World War II. The direct ancestor
to H&K’s line of roller locked military rifles and SMGs and the spiritual forefather of an entire class of infantry weapons, the Sturmgewehr (literally “assault rifle” in German) was the first intermediate caliber selective fire infantry rifle to hit the field, using the reduced power 7.92x33 Kurz round to improve controllability in full automatic without completely sacrificing striking power and range. The resulting weapon could handle a close-up fight better and with a lighter combat load per round than a full power bolt action rifle, while also being able to reach out across the field better than a pistol caliber submachine gun, making it ideal for urban environments. The design also made use of machine stamping for as many components as possible, for
reduced weight and accelerated production. Accompanied by a 1968 amnesty registration paper indicating
this gun was registered to an Earl A. Anderson of Kansas. The consignor states this is a World War II war
trophy veteran bring back, reportedly shipped back home to Earl Anderson’s father sometime after
the D-Day Invasion of June 6th, 1944 along with a German M24 hand grenade (not included, but the
grenade had “Dad 6.6.1944” written on it). Also accompanied by documents of the donation to the
museum by the family, as well as an approval of transfer of this machine gun out of the museum to
the current consignor. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with “MP43” on the left of the receiver,
serial number and “43” production date on the left side of the magazine well, and “cos” maker’s mark on
the underside of the receiver. The individual components bear a mix of Waffenamt proofs, with a matching number on the butt socket, trigger housing, bolt carrier and bolt. Included with the lot is one “MP44”/”qnw” marked magazine, a takedown tool in the buttstock compartment, and a brown leather sling.
CONDITION: Fine, with 60% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, scattered spotting, and mild scuffs and scratches. The furniture is also fine, with some light scuffs and dings. 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 478. Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000
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