MG-34 Lafette mount questions

[tmca05]

I need some opinions here since this is not my area.

I just pick up this MG34 Lafette mount with a group of stuff.

The numbers do not match and it was repainted at some time. Is this a post-war rebuild or could it be all WW2?

Also, has it been converted to take the MG-42?

If it's correct WW2 I'll probably keep it and put a nice dummy gun on it. If it's a post war re-build, I'll may just pass it on.

Thanks, Dave

[tmca05]

b

b

[tmca05]

c

c

[tmca05]

d

d

[me6_130]

Hello, for sure it is not an MG34 lafette. The trigger system is only for auto, so MG42. The spare bolt box seems to have rivets in a position that make me think it is for MG42 bolt. The date at the elevation block is 1943 and the optic support is stamped steel late war type. It doesn't look like those yugo refurnished in any way, so I would say it is an original MG42 lafette, perhaps post war repainted. It might be that the cradle back cover has been changed/mismatched.

Carles

[mightymouse]

It is an mg34 cradle modified for mg42. The lafette has a mixture of early/late parts. Looks like it is a post war austrian re-work, but all original WW2 parts.

[Hans Zeug]

Modified cradle?

Hi, as the others have said a modified MG34 cradle or parts of to take the MG42. I notice that the rear gun mounting hooks have the cutouts that I believe is only found on the 34 cradle,it looks like the rear buffer mount is a cast 34 one as opposed to the stamped steel mount of the 42 type. Nice to see the stamped steel mount for the optics one not seen that often, does the optic mount have a WaA stamp? Still a nice lafette with a maker mark that I have not seen before and nice that it still has the leather pads as well. Regards David..

[me6_130]

It is true!!! I hadn't realised those cut outs, missing in an MG42 Lafette(red arrow) and the other part (green arrow). My mistake, as I am an MG34 man whatever is not MG34 is MG42 for me.. I'm posting a couple of pics of an MG42 lafette I had once, so members can see the differences. The blue arrow is for the early release latch, not seen in the above lafette, that has a late one with an early back cover.

Carles

[tmca05]

a

I do not see a WaA mark on the optic mount, but I do have one arm on a sling right now so it's hard to get down and look under stuff.

Thanks for all the info, I now have a better idea of what I have. Next is the tough part,... the decision, do I build up a dummy MG-42 or just trade the mount off. I guess I'll see if the little wife will let me set it up in the living room first.....yea right !! Somehow I think it will be staying in the garage.

[phil337]

nice 34/42 lafette, inerestingly has 2 seriel numbers,and correct mg42 bolt box so could be a war time conversion

[Bergflak]

The rear cover is "fishy". I do not like the way the serial number is put on. The rest of the markings are good though.

But seriously guys! A 1941 dated Lafette for a MG42????

The rear cover is 1941 (and doesn't belong here)
The upper sleigh is 1942-onwards from a MG34
The sight bracket is 1943-onwards
The T&E is 1943
The front leg is pre 1944
The rear legs are 1942 onwards

I guess it is a total postwar refurb wich ended up with a too early dated rear cover. All parts look good though.

What might be interesting is the marking to the right of the rear gun "lugs", the marking on the upper ring of the front leg and the marking on the side of the central frame where the front leg is attached. Will give you a hint of originality in regards to "matching parts".

[fab]

Hi

this is a post war rebuilt lafette 42 for the Austrian army. the punch "BH" must be somewhere on the front MG attachment of the lafette.
paint , and straps are Austrian post war.
these lafettes were sold in the end of 90s with all the "BH" MG42 (MG74)

Rgds
Fab.

[Hans Zeug]

Matching markings.

The rear cover is "fishy". I do not like the way the serial number is put on. The rest of the markings are good though.

But seriously guys! A 1941 dated Lafette for a MG42????

The rear cover is 1941 (and doesn't belong here)
The upper sleigh is 1942-onwards from a MG34
The sight bracket is 1943-onwards
The T&E is 1943
The front leg is pre 1944
The rear legs are 1942 onwards

I guess it is a total postwar refurb wich ended up with a too early dated rear cover. All parts look good though.

What might be interesting is the marking to the right of the rear gun "lugs", the marking on the upper ring of the front leg and the marking on the side of the central frame where the front leg is attached. Will give you a hint of originality in regards to "matching parts".

Like this?As assembled at the factory all parts would have the same maker's mark on the various parts.

[Hans Zeug]

#2

And this. 34 and 42 lafette parts shown,same maker.Regards David.

[Grossfuss]

MG34/42 Lafette

Hi,
Just one more observation to add to the list - the fixed upper pad is of the later welded construction. The lower adjustable pad is the earlier rivetted type.
As previously suggested, it has all the appearance of an Austrian BH ex-WW2 MG42 Lafette assembled from a variety of parts. There's usually "BH" and a star stamped on the front gun mounting.
All the best,
Grossfuss