Laufschutzer 34 or 43?

[IanC]

Friends,

I have just picked up a Laufschutzer and am unsure if it is for the MG 34 or 42?

Any other opinions on the paint, markings, straps etc all very welcome.

Thanks in advance

Ian

[IanC]

Close up of either end of the interior...

[IanC]

Markings and catch detail....

[IanC]

Details of the strap

[IanC]

Last pictures, thanks again for taking the time to look.

[me6_130]

I haven't got any LS43, only LS34s, but if an MG34 barrel fits inside, then it's a 43, if not a 42, just because MG42 barrels are shorter than MG34s. Looks as if the sling had been modified or repaired, cause that isn't a correct runner buckle, but rather a rifle or MP sling one. Paint is no doubt post war.


Carles

[me6_130]

Can you shoot a better pic of those stamps? Is that a 'BK' there?

[IanC]

Hi Carles,

Thanks for your replies.

The light here in the uk is fading fast so I am unable to get a better shot of the markings.

Yes that is a BK. Does it make it post war\Yugo?

[me6_130]

Hello Ian,

The BK stamp is an acceptance stamp of the former Yugo army. It doesn't necessarily mean the item is Yugo produced but their property at least. The WaA might be a fake (or not) but there are many yugo produced items being stamped with fake stamps. Is the green a Yugo shade? It is no so clear in the pics.

Carles

[IanC]

Again Carles, thanks for your time.

The colour of my one is a lot more subdued or duller than the "brighter" Yugo items that I am familiar with. (the ones I have seen on the basket drum set, ammo boxes etc.)

The colour is very close to existing field gear items I have and was one of the reasons why I bought it.

I have been looking for an laufschutzer with an original colour for some time now and thought I had finally found one!

Cheers

Ian