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LOT 420
Rare Late World War II Gustloff VG.1-
5 Volksturmgewehr Semi-Automatic
Rifle with Sling - Serial no. Th1447, 7.92
x 33mm Kurz cal., 15 inch round bbl., grey
phosphate finish, wood stock. Introduced late in the war,
the Gustloff Volksturmgewehr 1-5, or “People’s Storm/Assault Rifle,” was part of a wave of “Volks” weapons intended as last ditch weapons that could be made at high speed with limited resources. Designed by Karl Barnitzke at the Gustloff-Werke factory, the intent of these was to require a minimum
of detailed machining, and the VG.1-5 uses stamped and welded steel for many parts, with flat board forearm panels and stock, and configured to accept the same magazines and 7.92x33mm Kurz ammunition as the MP44/ Sturmgewehr. Approximately 10,000 of these were manufactured in early 1945 prior to the surrender of the Reich, with a limited amount remaining today due to the majority being scrapped after the war. Operation is through the gas-delayed blowback principle, with a set of vents near the muzzle directing gas into the combination barrel sleeve and bolt carrier, allowing the use of high-pressure ammunition without elaborate locking mechanisms at the breech. Blade front and fixed notch rear sights mounted on the barrel sleeve, with a sheet metal cover at the rear, two-piece forearm, one-piece buttstock with “Th1447” stamped on the left, and fitted with a canvas sling. Properly, no Waffenamt proofs are present; intended for issue to civilian auxiliaries and hastily organized Volksturm units, the VG.1-5 was never subjected to formal military inspection.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus original gray phosphate finish, showing correct variations in color, contact/cycling wear, and mild handling marks. The wood is also very fine with defined edges, vertical moderate compression dings and scuffs mostly concentrated on the right of the buttstock, and crisp markings. Mechanically excellent. This rare German VG.1-5 rifle would make a fine addition in any advanced military firearms collection!
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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