Probably the Best, Old Spec, Deactivated, Original German Machinepistol, MP40 in The Country, With All Matching Numbers

A fantastic example of these most famous of German Sub Machine Guns of WW2. Many surviving deact example are floppy and rattly, this one however, is very, very nice and tight all over. A true symbol of German style and efficiency in their highly effective weapon design. In exceptional condition, with all matching numbers, and strap, some original finish, no pitting, with great tight firing action with original Margolit barrel-rest as first fitted. Old spec UK de-act, 1995,
It's dated 1943, and code marked AYF and made by ERMA-Erfurter Machinenfabrik, G.Geipel Gmb.H.

Old spec de-act fully functioning, all original matching serial numbers throughout, including the bolt, and fully waffenamt stamped coded and dated. We believe it would simply to be impossible to upgrade, likely, ever.

It was for many years the premier example, used for all the publicity and advertising for a highly regarded and long established Third Reich Militaria dealer in the UK, then sold to our vendor and high-end collector several years ago.

An original strap, and, it's original Margolit {somewhat like British Bakelite} beneath barrel, resting-bar.

One feature found on most MP 38 and MP 40 submachine guns is a Margolit (a variation of Bakelite) aluminum, or steel, resting bar under the barrel. This was used to steady the weapon when firing over the side of open-top armoured personnel carriers such as the Sd.Kfz. 251 half-track. The handguard, also made of Margolit, is located between the magazine housing and the Margolit pistol grip. All fully moving, original bolt, cocking and firing.

We believe this one is better than anything one can see in the best war museums and almost certainly the best example to be found in the UK today, and possibly, that ever will be in the future.

At the Lanes Armoury every effort, over the past 100 plus years, has been made to acquire incredible and original artefacts of combat history, and all the better if they can be of museum grade quality and condition, and without doubt, this MP40 SMG is one of those rarest and most desirable of premier pieces we seek.

This MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40, literally "machine pistol 40") was a submachine gun developed in Germany and used extensively by paratroopers and platoon and squad leaders, and other troops during World War II deact without original cert.. The MP40 had a relatively lower rate of fire and low recoil, which made it more manageable than other contemporary submachine guns. The MP40 was often called the Schmeisser by the Allies, after weapons designer Hugo Schmeisser. Although the name was evocative, Hugo Schmeisser himself did not design the MP40, but helped with the design of the MP41 which was effectively a MP40 with an old-fashioned wooden rifle stock. It is impossible to reconstruct how Schmeisser was honored with this legend, but it must have been inspiring for the soldiers: the German slang-word "Schmeisser" describes someone who throws something inaccurately, but with high force. Schmeisser did produce the MP40 magazines and his name was engraved on them, which may explain the confusion.Comes complete with official UK de-act certificate. Not for sale within the EU

Code: 25161