(N) DESIRABLE ITALIAN WORLD WAR II BERETTA MODEL 38/42 MACHINE GUN WITH NON-GUN DISPLAY GUN AND

The Beretta 38/42 machine gun is essentially a model 38A simplified to be less expensive and time consuming to produce. Many of the parts interchange with the 38A, and, in fact, in 1944 the Germans were procuring (purchasing) Model 38/42 guns from Beretta as MP-40 production had ceased in favor of MP-44/STG 44 production. There is evidence that Beretta also “pulled a fast one” on German procurement authorities and provided them (no doubt collecting payment also) with gun with receivers marked “38/42” which were fitted with leftover 38A parts. The Beretta 38/42, as well as the model 38A, proved to be one of the most effective pistol caliber machine guns of World War II. The dual trigger feature enabled the firer to choose semi-automatic or fully automatic modes of fire. Magazine capacity was 40 rounds, an increase over the MP-40, and the design was/is reliable. Early production guns had fluted barrels, This example is a later produced specimen with a smooth barrel with integral compensator, and simplified rear sight. Markings on the receiver are limited to caliber and serial number with a “CU” prefix. Procurement office cartouche present on non-matching (6687) stock currently on this gun. The “as found” non-original stock, which was on this machine gun when the consignor purchased it, is now on a fluted barrel 38/42 display non-gun included with this lot. Bolt in machine gun is an unnumbered 38A bolt which the consigner put into the gun in order to slow down the rate of fire. Also included is the original fixed firing pin 38/42 bolt as well as eight original 40-round magazines, two 20-round magazines, one mag loader, and brown web magazine carrier. Consignor has also provided additional parts and spares as part of this lot: One 38A shroud with magazine housing and barrel, one 38A shroud with barrel, one 38/42 smooth barrel, a 38/42 buttstock (#8X34) with buttplate, 38A buttstock (#409X) with buttplate and magazine well hardware, mainspring, buffer and end cap with cut receiver piece for 38A, milled steel trigger guard, trigger frame assembly with some trigger parts, cocking handle, and forward stock band for 38A model. Electronic NFA registry indicates “ITALIAN” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is good to very good, with more than 50% original finish thinning to a gray patina with some areas of light pitting, and some splotches of what might be “blood” pitting. Given the consideration that the original stock was replaced at some point (probably damaged beyond repair in combat), this gun looks every inch a veteran bring-back. Stock is extremely fine with some light handling marks. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Bolt face near excellent. Spare barrels bores extremely fine, shiny and bright. Additional bolt extremely fine turning a gray patina. This is a select-fire machine gun. The Beretta 38/42 was one of the most popular, cost-effective, and indeed effective pistol caliber machine guns of WW2, and today, these are extremely popular at the range due to their firing qualities. This ensemble will allow the shooter to adjust the rate of fire by swapping bolts back and forth. Lots of nice spares here also. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2024-05-044 Accessories: 2 additional 20 rd magazines, parts kit, barrels, 2 stocks Barrel Length: 11" Caliber/Bore: 9mm FFL Status: NFA Manufacturer: Beretta Model: 38/42 Serial Number: 4349