(N) FABULOUS EARLY PRODUCTION ICONIC WW2 GERMAN MG-42

The earliest manufactured MG-42 this cataloger has ever evaluated for auction, this Gustloff 1943 manufactured MG-42 machine gun is marked “dfb” with 1943 date in the clear (not coded) on the left side of the receiver. Nazi proof "WaA 4" on receiver for Gustloff as well as other Nazi proof marks on various parts on this gun. Barrel extension is marked "ar" (Mauser), with un-numbered replaced 8 mm barrel. Nazi "dfb" marked bolt is consistent with rest of gun. Accessories include one 7.62X51mm (.308) barrel, feed tray, and top cover conversion set along with some steel non-disintegrating link belts. However, what truly sets this gun apart from so many others is that it retains the original style horizontal charging handle. The first MG-42 guns produced utilized this style handle. It is a historically documented fact that Erwin Rommel observed a demonstration of this “new” machine gun model, and recognized the advantages of its fast-firing qualities over the MG-34. Rommel used his influence to get early production MG-42 guns for his Afrika Corps, and these guns would have had this style charging handle. Relatively soon after adoption, production designers changed the handle to the familiar vertical style. The new style was easier to apply muscular force to and also were less likely to be damaged due to the changed profile. Waffenmeisters changed out the old handles for the new as they could and as a result very few of these original model charging handles are found today. One can discern Nazi eagle cartouche on wooden butt which is without reinforcement wire wrapping. Adding reinforcement wire wrapping was another directive published to waffenmeister in the field as the butts tended to crack under use. Another seldom-seen early feature are the grip panels on this gun, which are of lightweight white metal. Note also the front sight has a provision for adjustable windage and elevation. Bipod is post-war without adjustment knob. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original finish thinning to gray patina with scattered scratches, and little dings. Grip frame mostly grey patina. Reinforcement wire not present on butt with some cracks which do not affect serviceability. Mechanics of are fine. Bore and bolt are near excellent as is exterior of .308 barrel which has NATO caliber designation marking. This is a full-auto only machine gun. Any who are considering bidding on this gun know what a great machine gun would be to take to the range, but this cataloger would recommend the gun is better relegated to being a showpiece and an example of the early production specimen that it is. It may be a very long time, if ever, before a specimen such as this one surfaces again on the collector market. An enduring icon in its original form! For the forward-thinking advanced collector/investor. 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 & RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2020-11-059 Accessories: Belts, parts Barrel Length: 20 - 3/4" Caliber/Bore: 8mm Mauser FFL Status: NFA Manufacturer: Germany Model: MG-42 Serial Number: 2404