*British, WW2, Sten Mk II Submachine Gun, Made by E&Co (Elkington & Co.), Deactivated, complete with Stock, Sling, Two Magazines, Loader, Storage Bag & Inerts*
Original British Second World War Sten Mk II submachine gun, deactivated to current specification. This example retains the classic Mk II configuration, featuring the tubular receiver with longitudinal cooling slots, side-mounted magazine housing, removable barrel assembly, and detachable skeleton steel shoulder stock. The magazine housing is clearly stamped 165861 / E&Co, together with a British War Department broad arrow. The E&Co code denotes Elkington & Co. Ltd, Birmingham, a major wartime subcontractor responsible for producing pressed steel components for Sten manufacture.
Forward of the trigger is the correct cross-bolt fire selector, marked “B” on one face, with the corresponding “S” denoting the alternate setting. These markings relate to the Sten’s selective-fire capability, allowing selection between single-shot (semi-automatic) and automatic fire in service configuration. The Sten is an open-bolt weapon, and the selector operates via the trigger and sear arrangement rather than a mechanical burst limiter. On the obverse side a faint, upside down Bros is discernable - probably for a subcontracxtor.
The weapon is accompanied by a strong and correct accessory group, significantly enhancing its display and collector appeal. Two original Sten magazines are included, one marked S69 / OFF, with S69 denoting manufacture at Royal Ordnance Factory, Stechford (Birmingham) and OFF indicating inspection or acceptance by Royal Ordnance Factory, Fazakerley; the second magazine is marked OFF only.
Accessories:
- Detachable skeleton steel shoulder stock
- Original web sling
- Two original WWII Sten magazines
- Original Sten magazine loader with brass finger loop
-Canvas Sten storage / transit bag
- Eleven inert 9mm cartridges, comprising: 4 × Federal Cartridge Company NT (9mm Luger), 1 × PMC (9mm Luger), 4 × Winchester (9mm Luger), 2 × CBC L31A1 NATO (dated 2009 and 2012)
Historical Note:
The Sten submachine gun was developed in 1940 at the Royal Small Arms Factory by Major Reginald V. Shepherd and Harold John Turpin, its name derived from their initials combined with “EN” for Enfield. Designed in response to the British Army’s urgent need for a cheap and rapidly producible automatic weapon following the losses of 1940, the Sten dispensed with traditional gunmaking methods in favour of stamped, welded, and pressed components. The Sten was developed to use a minimal amount of material, capable of being mass produced by unskilled workers and to fire under all conditions.
The Mk II became the most widely produced Sten variant, with well over two million manufactured by a network of contractors and subcontractors across Britain. Its removable barrel, rotating magazine housing, and detachable stock made it especially suitable for airborne forces and clandestine operations, including resistance supply across occupied Europe. The utilitarian finish and mixed markings seen on this example are entirely characteristic of wartime manufacture.
*Condition*
Deactivated. The trigger moves; the bolt does not. Condition is consistent with wartime production and subsequent service life. The metal surfaces show extensive handling wear, finish loss, oxidation, and abrasion throughout. All principal components are present and structurally sound. Markings remain legible. Accessories show honest age-related wear but remain complete and correct. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQGOOXADEO_272710072025
