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LOT 1370
Excellent World War II German MP44 Sturmgewehr Rifle, Class III/NFA
C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Extra Magazines and Six-Cell Magazine Pouch Rig
- Serial no. 5455ae, 7.92 x 33mm Kurz cal., 16 inch round bbl., blue finish, laminate stock. Developed
relatively late in World War II, the MP44 was a very important milestone in military weaponry, being
the forerunner, and later 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 “5455ae/45” on the left
side, with “ce” (Sauer), “cos” (Merz-Werke), “eagle/37” and “WaAA4” marks on the underside. The
forearm is constructed from stamped and ventilated sheet metal, with ribbed grip panels and a
hardwood buttstock. The buttstock, trigger housing and bolt carrier are numbered to match,
with a matching electropencil number on the bolt body. Included with the lot are two manuals,
a three-cell magazine pouch (late war tan canvas construction with leather components, “left
side” pattern), and eight extra magazines. Also includes a copy of the Form 4467
Amnesty Registration.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% plus original blue finish, showing scattered spotting, areas
of brown patina, and mild edge wear and handling marks overall. The grip panels show some light
scratches, and the very fine buttstock some chips and dings. Mechanically excellent. One will look a long
time for a finer example! 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: 40,000 - 60,000 329