Original WWII German MP40 ERMA 1943 9x19mm Transferable Submachine Gun, C&R Eligible

Status: In Stock / Please Call to Purchase

This Chester County Armory listing is for an original, World War Two wartime production German MP40 9x19mm transferable submachine gun.

One of the most recognized submachine guns of World War II, the German MP40 was an upgraded version of the German MP38 that was originally designed in 1938. German engineer Heinrich Vollmer is often created with the design, however the MP38 and MP40 both incorporate mechanisms and ideas from the MP36 by Berthold Geipel, which used ideas from the German MP-18 that was designed by Hugo Schmeisser. This evolution of ideas made the true designer behind the weapon murky, at best. Allied troops where even known to mistakenly call the MP40 the “Schmeisser” for the majority of the war. Designer aside, what is agreed on in the history books is that at the time of its introduction, the MP 38/40 was considered to be the most advanced featured submachine gun in existence. Most notably for being a very light, very compact, accurate, and easy to shoot submachine gun. While borrowing heavily from its predecessors, it denotes features that hadn’t been seen before in a submachine gun, such as an under-folding Bakelite stock that was significantly lighter and more compact than other submachine guns.  While primarily used as an infantry weapon, the MP40 quickly found additional homes with paratroopers, armored personnel, and even artillery groups due to its ease of carry and devastating operation.

This particular model was assembled in Erfurt, Germany at the ERMA (Erfurter Maschinenfabrik B. Geipel GmbH) factory in 1943 based on its “ayf 43” ordinance code. As with many mid to late war models, this model was assembled using subcontractor produced parts, most notably from Merz-Werke (Gebrüder Merz) in Frankfurt, as designated by the “cos” markings on the rear of the stock assembly. Merz-Werke was known for mostly manufacturing stamped steel parts, such as the receiver tube (as is the case here) and the magazine housing, The ayf 43 / cos combination is a well-documented original setup for a 1943 produced ERMA MP40.

The majority of the original German parts are noted to be from the same weapon by serial number, however the barrel and bolt/firing pin/recoil assembly are not matching to the receiver and stock of the weapon.  Numerous types of original German Waffenamt and proof marks are observed throughout the weapon (see photos).

Purchase of this model will include one original 32rd German MP40 magazine that is also marked “ayf 43” noting ERMA production during the same year, as well as an original black leather German military rifle sling.

Overall, this model is in excellent condition both mechanically and cosmetically. This weapon runs flawlessly with standard SAAMI spec 9mm Parabellum ammunition. Mechanically, the metalwork is solid with no cracks, dents, dings, malformations, etc. noted. The bolt face remains crisp and clean with a solid firing pin. The action operates smoothly and appropriately and the fire controls note only minor wear.  The bore is in good condition but is slightly darkened. The rifling is slightly worn by remains intact the length of the barrel.

Cosmetically, this weapon notes only minor handling marks and light surface scratches. The bright blued finish is predominately intact throughout the weapon, with minor handling marks and some physical wear observed. The bluing has patinaed at spots and the telltale plum color of the high nickel content steel used by the Germans during this time period is observed, as well. The Bakelite stock remains solid and strong, with no cracks, dents, heavy scratches, etc. The black Margolit grips are excellent with only minor use markings. This model also features a Margolit resting bar under the barrel (which was a defining feature of the MP40 used for insulation and protection). This resting notes use and handling marks, but the Margolit remains solidly intact with no cracks or malformations.

This historical, investment grade transferable submachine gun is currently on a Form 3 for easy transfer. The current Form 3 lists “GERMANY” as the manufacturer and “MP40” as the model.