German, WW2, Dated 1942, MP40 Sub Machine Gun with Folding Stock, Made by Haenel (fxo) with subcontractor parts from Gebrueder Merz (Cos), Waffenamts, Deactivated

*German, WW2, Dated 1942, MP40 Sub Machine Gun with Folding Stock, Made by Haenel (fxo) with subcontractor parts from Gebrueder Merz (Cos), Waffenamts, Deactivated*

Serial Number: "2586" (on Deactivation Certificate), "2586 K" on gun. Marked on LHS Receiver and Barrel.
"B(or 3)668 n" marked on the end cap and trigger guard.

9mm Cal. 10" Barrel.

Deactivated original WW2 German 1942 MP40 submachine gun. This is an excellent find with mostly matching numbers. It is marked on the end cap “MP40, fxo 42”. fxo, the wartime manufacturer code for “C.G. Haenel, Waffen- u. Fahrradfabrik”. 42 signifying the year it was made 1942. There were three main companies manufacturing the MP40 for the Heeres Waffenamt (Army Armament): Erma, Steyr and Haenel. A total of 869,792 MP40 were made between 1938-1945. Steyr manufactured the majority of the MP40 submachine guns and production continued at the company until 1944. The Haenel company ceased production in 1942.

Serial number “2586 K” marked on on the left side of the receiver tube along with three "waffeamts  WaA623” (the code associated with Steyr inspectors). Marked “2586 K” on the side of the barrel and “586” marked on both sights. “B(or3)668 n” with a waffenamt "WaAA44"  and "Cos" is marked on the end cap on the trigger guard. "Cos" is the unique letter code identifying the subcontractor - "Gebrueder Merz, Merz Werk, Frankfurter Main". and "A44" is the waffenamt inspection reference for Gebrueder Merz 1941-42. "668" along with another waffenamt is marked on the folding stock. The overall finish has a good patina with bakelite foregrip. Fully functional extending butt stock.

The Maschinenpistole 40 (MP 40) evolved from its precursor, the MP 38, itself based on the machined steel prototype MP 36. The MP 40 simplified the design further, incorporating cost-saving changes, notably an increased use of stamped steel over machined parts. Widely utilized by infantry, especially platoon and squad leaders, as well as paratroopers on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, its advanced features made it a favored weapon. Post-war, it gained popularity in various countries.

*Condition*
Deactivated. Does not cock or dry-fire. Age and service related wear and tear. This is likely to have been one of the last guns produced by Haenel who ceased production in 1942, so the COS subparts and Steyr waffenamts are likely the result of a period final assembly of remaining parts. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQBEEOXCEOO_7921169742