MG-42 Barrel w/ 3 Maker's Codes?

[Alan Smith]

Any idea why this MG-42 barrel has three (3) maker's codes on it? I have seen a few WWII German weapons components with two (2) maker's codes on them (e.g. end cap on MP-40 with "cnd" subcontractor code + "ayf" prime contractor's code), but I've never seen three (3) codes on the same component so this is new to me.

Is this common with MG-42 barrels?

[searchandfind]

That´s an early Maget barrel with the new style muzzle type. "bys" (Ruhrstahl)was the delivererer of the steel and "dfb" (Gustloff) manufactured the barrel for "cra" (Maget). The locking piece from this barrel is in origin configuration also from Maget. A German researcher is working on a book about Gustloff and he has also archive information that Gustloff produced barrels for Maget. Form my research I know that Gustloff produced only MG42 barrels with the new style muzzle type.

[Alan Smith]

Wow - thank you very much for the information!

Here are a few more photos of the barrel, which confirm what you have stated.

[Alan Smith]

Photo 2

[Alan Smith]

Photo 3

[Alan Smith]

The "cra" maker's mark (below the Eagle/11 inspector's mark) is visible in this photo. I think this barrel has been post-war arsenal refinished.

[Alan Smith]

Here is what, I believe, the barrel locking extension should look like on an unaltered original cra barrel.

[Alan Smith]

More photos of the cra barrel w/ 3 maker's logos.

[Alan Smith]

More barrel photos

[Alan Smith]

Another barrel photo

[Alan Smith]

Photo 9

[Alan Smith]

Photo 10

[Alan Smith]

Photo 11

[robinhood]

Great looking barrel. Like the cra markings
Rob

[Ostmark]

Great looking barrel. Like the cra markings
Rob

A MG42 does not sound like Rater tat tat tat, it sounds like rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt

Just kidding around