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LOT 1394
World War II German MP44 Sturmgewehr Rifle, Class III/
NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Accessories -
Serial no. 5137n, 7.92 x 33mm Kurz cal., 16 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue/phosphate finish, laminate stock. Developed relatively late in
World War II, the MP44 was a very important milestone in military weaponry, being the namesake of
an entire class of weapons, the intermediate caliber, select fire, infantry “assault rifle”. Influenced by the situation on both fronts, the MP44 made heavy use of stamped components, limiting costly and labor intensive machined or forged components to critical areas and speeding production. The adoption
of an intermediate power cartridge allowed each trooper to haul more rounds in their combat
loads and kept the recoil manageable in a relatively lightweight arm. While the full power “battle
rifle” would be the Western standard for the start of the Cold War, the MP44’s spiritual children
gained more traction in the 60s and 70s and still hold a place as the de-facto standard for infantry weapons. The receiver is marked “MP44” and “5137n/44” on the left side, with the “cos” and “qlv”
marks on the underside. The forearm is constructed from stamped and ventilated sheet metal,
with a laminated replacement buttstock number 1225 fitted with phosphate finished steel reinforcement at the toe and heel and a brown leather sling. Included with the lot are a rare
original manual, spare parts kit, and extra miscellaneous parts.
CONDITION: Fine, with 50% of the blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, light
spotting, and bright edge wear. The receiver shows signs of polishing at the leading edge and
around the barrel pin, and the overall numbers are mixed. The furniture is good, with mild scuffs
and dings. Mechanically very good. 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: 18,000 - 27,500
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