MP40 - Numbers & Marks HELP

[Mons 1914]

Can anyone help with the Numbers & Markes etc on the MP 40:-

1.Which parts would the guns number be on?
2.Where would the WaA stamps be?
3.On the Rear if it is stamped - bnz 42 & number, thats been cross out & another number has been stamped to match the rest of the numbers on the guns, does this mean that part has been replaced & then stamped with the correct number??

Please post some pictures to show the details.

Is their any links that give infomation on the MP40 Stamps etc??

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi "Mons", the serial number will be found more or less all over the weapon; receiver, bolt, barrel, sights, front sight, trigger housing, stock, etc, etc.... Some will be in full, others will just be the last 3 numbers.

Sounds like this one has been rebuilt and made a "forced match" with regards to the serial number. The original would have been the number under the Steyr makers code and date. (BNZ and 1942)

Waffenampt marks will be found again all over the weapon.

Cheers, Ade.

[Mons 1914]

Thanks

So all the numbers are matching, it's that on the back part it reads -
bnz.42
9607 - which has a line through it & (7761 above. this is the number on all the rest of the parts)

Can you explane why this was done ????

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hard to say? It could be a period rebuild, or some kind of factory alteration, but could just as easy be a "bitsa" made from two guns last week....

If you are going to buy this, I would wish to see this reflected in the price, so don't pay the same price as a non messed with, all matching number example.

Cheers, Ade.

[Mons 1914]

£1950 - [IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\Laura Gladwin\My Documents\My Pictures\MP40 BNZ 42 MARK.jpg[/IMG]

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi, your photo is not showing as you need to either become an association member to post pics direct (well worth the $25 ) or link them to a photo webhost site.

******163;1950 is top price, for what I presume to be an "Old Spec" de-act?

Cheers, Ade.

[Seigfried]

Hello Mons,
Ade's correct - ******163;1950.00 for an old-spec (with moving parts) is top dollar. One went on the estand this week for ******163;1250 (massive bargain even though it appeared to have a slightly bent folding stock) and mine cost me ******163;1300 a year ago (which is all matching numbers). See my pic for where the numbers are stamped - hope this helps.

John

PS Bnz = Waffenfabrik Steyr, Ostmark (Austria)

[Mons 1914]

Any ideas on the reasonon why the crossed out number the colour & condition does look to tie in with the rest of the gun, yes Old Spec 95% finish??

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi "Mons", that will be because the gun has most likely to have been cobbled together from two weapons as I suggested earlier. This is not an item you want for your collection. Like John says, better ones are around, un messed with and at better prices too. Pass on this one.

Cheers, Ade.

[Mons 1914]

Thanks
Do know of any that are available??

[Adrian Stevenson]

Sorrry, no not off hand I don't. Keep an eye on the E Stand and the usual UK dealers, Milweb, etc. You can usually find one for sale at these sites.

Cheers, Ade.

[David G]

Mons, don't be put off buying a gun with different numbers-the idea that an MP40 should have matching numbers is a pretentious nonsense.
In the field ,parts were often changed, especially the barrel which might not last too long.
There are of course guns with matching numbers, but unavailable-so what use is that to you?
If you have a gun in good condition well marked waffenampt marked, then its German and a piece of history if at the right price.
Remember about the deact certificate.

[P08]

If all parts are matching numbers except the trigger housing (back part of the gun) then it most likely is due to wear/damage. Someone has taken the back part from another MP40 and fitted that to replace the original damaged part. Nothing wrong in that. However a non matching numbers MP40 should not cost as much as a similar matching numbers MP40. If the price is in line with the item I'd buy a non matching numbers as long as it's original and in good condition.

[Seigfried]

.

[David Mckenzie]

A good comrade of mine has the mintiest-all numbers matching l,1944 bnz ,tight as a Bank! I'll post a piccy soon,he paid 1200 kiwi for it four years ago.They are certainly around.Mine are both mismatched,but I use them a lot.