I recently acquired a set of MG-34 assault drums, with carrier. One drum and the carrier have a blued finish; the other drum is painted black. The blued drum is maker coded and dated "wc 43"; the blued carrier is "959 43"; and the black painted drum is "wc 44".
A recent post here on WA Firearms indicated that these types of drums are very common in Europe, having been imported with the MG-34's and accessories that are ex-Soviet reworked materials coming out of the Ukraine. The story was that the Soviets refurbished used MG-34 drums (that, originally, were painted field grey or ordnance tan by the Germans) by dipping them in paint stripper then dip blueing them just like they did the P-38's, 98K's, etc.
To my knowledge, these blued finish or black painted drums are very uncomon here in the US. Also, I hope my photos are good enough for you to see that the condition of the metal of these drums is really nice; they do not show any dings, scratches or other evidence of use/abuse. In fact, based on the condition of the metal, I would say that they are in unissued condition. Based on the lack of any visible signs of use, to me it seems highly unlikey that these drums have ever been reworked by anyone.
I would very much appreciate any and all comments on the drums and, in particular, whether they are 100% original German military issue.
Thanks,
Alan
A recent post here on WA Firearms indicated that these types of drums are very common in Europe, having been imported with the MG-34's and accessories that are ex-Soviet reworked materials coming out of the Ukraine. The story was that the Soviets refurbished used MG-34 drums (that, originally, were painted field grey or ordnance tan by the Germans) by dipping them in paint stripper then dip blueing them just like they did the P-38's, 98K's, etc.
To my knowledge, these blued finish or black painted drums are very uncomon here in the US. Also, I hope my photos are good enough for you to see that the condition of the metal of these drums is really nice; they do not show any dings, scratches or other evidence of use/abuse. In fact, based on the condition of the metal, I would say that they are in unissued condition. Based on the lack of any visible signs of use, to me it seems highly unlikey that these drums have ever been reworked by anyone.
I would very much appreciate any and all comments on the drums and, in particular, whether they are 100% original German military issue.
Thanks,
Alan
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