British, WWII, Sten Mk II 9mm Submachine Gun (RSAF), Two 32‑Round Magazines, One 50‑Round Magazine, Deactivated (4)

*British, WWII, Sten Mk II 9mm Submachine Gun (RSAF), Two 32‑Round Magazines, One 50‑Round Magazine, Deactivated (4)*

A deactivated British Sten Mark II 9mm submachine gun, serial number R 9553, with 20 cm barrel and 75 cm overall length. The R‑prefix serial number is associated with early production at the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF), Enfield. Enfield assembled large numbers of Mk II Stens from late 1941 into 1942, using R‑prefixed serial blocks to identify their output. The broad arrow acceptance stamp confirms British military issue, and the relatively low serial sequence places this example in the early period of Mk II manufacture, likely late 1941 to early 1942, when production was being ramped up for both Home Forces and overseas deployment.

Supplied with two standard 32‑round double‑stack, single‑feed magazines, the typical issue pattern for the Sten Mk II, and one 50‑round extended magazine of the Lanchester type. The extended magazine was designed to increase firepower but was noted for reduced reliability, making it a rarer accessory today.

Complete with an official Birmingham Proof House deactivation certificate (March 2025), performed to the latest UK/EU specification by MJL Militaria.

Historical Note:
The Sten Mk II was the most produced variant of the Sten series, a blowback‑operated submachine gun chambered in 9×19mm with a distinctive side‑mounted magazine. Its name “Sten” is derived from the initials of its designers — Major Reginald V. Shepherd and Harold J. Turpin — combined with “En” for the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. Designed in 1941 to meet the urgent demand for submachine guns, the Mk II’s straightforward tubular construction and low production cost enabled mass manufacture by Enfield and numerous subcontractors.

Issued extensively to British and Commonwealth forces during the Second World War and later in the Korean War, the Mk II was lightweight, easy to maintain, and well‑suited to close‑quarters combat. Large numbers were also supplied to resistance groups in occupied Europe, where its simplicity, compact form, and effective 9mm cartridge made it an invaluable weapon for insurgency operations. The R‑prefix serial of this example confirms early Enfield assembly, adding to its historical and collector interest.

*Condition*
Good, service‑used condition with age‑appropriate patina. The serial number, broad arrow, and inspection marks remain visible despite surface wear. All magazines show period finish consistent with service use. Deactivated to the current UK/EU standard — bolt moves under spring pressure, trigger moves, and magazine is removable.
Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQFBD_2711300425