MP40, bnz 43
Hello folks.
This is one off any UK collector's bucket list!
After an exciting day at the War and Peace Show, I've come home with something very special. After being told deacts were thin on the ground this year, I went with low hopes. I poked around D&B Militaria's stall and had a look at a few of their Lugers, but none of them grabbed me. I did the same with several other deact sellers, and then wandered over to Chelmsford Militaria. Having had dealings with James in the past, I have nothing but good things to say about him, and I had high hopes.
They did not disappoint. I walk into their stall, and there it was. Ten minutes later, I'm walking out with it. At £1995, it ate most of my savings. But compared to the price tag of a UK Old-Spec, it was a bargain.
It's not every day that I get to see one of these outside of a museum. And to be able to not only hold one, but bring it home and keep it, is very special indeed.
It's a BNZ example, the wartime manufacturer code for Steyr Daimler Puch, A.G. Werk. Rolled off the production line in 1943, one of approximately 1.1 million made from 1940-1945. An honest 'used' example, with a lot of minor dents and bumps, a chip out of the bakelite, and most of the finish worn off.
This is also my first EU-UK Spec deact, with the new style of certificate pictured. I'm happy to report that they are far less severe than we had feared, with movement of the cocking handle and a good degree of stripping-down still possible.
Honestly, the only thing that could top this for me is an authentic MP44!
Regards, B.B.
.
by MAP
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