Strange Marking or Proof On Bundeswehr Reused Wartime MG42’s

[Joe Mc]

Hi all,

I’ve noticed on some MG42’s reissued by the Bundeswehr (Wartime Made converted to 7.62 NOT scratch built post war types) that there is an unusual proof stamp near the wartime markings and I can’t find anything anywhere what it’s for. Does anyone know what it is please?

Any help would be very much appreciated!

Thank you,

Joe

[Collectinsteve]

Looks like a MG42 that went to another NATO country as "war booty", was stamped by them, then went back to Germany after the Bundeswehr was set up.

I am guessing the mark is supposed to be a lion with a crown. The countries I know of that fit this are:

Norway
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Belgium

The two that fit the best are Luxembourg and Netherlands as the others all have weapons included with their coat of arms. However, it seems nobody has a right facing lion, only left facing. So I don't know!

If a beer bet was made to me at a pub, I'd go with Luxembourg in hopes of gaining a pint!

Steve