Outstanding 1959 Italian BMB Bren Mk II in 7.62 NATO, matching PS2230, bearing Italian Republic and FAT acceptance marks, deactivated and presented in exceptional condition.
A superb post-war Bren Mk II light machine gun manufactured in 1959 by Breda Meccanica Bresciana (BMB) and chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, retaining excellent original finish and sharp markings throughout. Offered in deactivated condition.
The right side of the body is crisply marked: “BMB” “BREN Mk II Cal. 7.62.” Serial number PS2230, matching and clearly stamped to the barrel, body and locking lever. The barrel is additionally dated: “B. Sld. 3 1959” with BMB marking.
The body and locking lever display multiple Italian state inspection and ownership marks, including the star within wreath property stamp of the Italian Republic and a boxed “FAT 66” mark (Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni - State Arms Factory, Terni)), together with additional crossed-arms inspection stamps. These markings confirm official Italian government acceptance and state issue rather than commercial export production. Such inspection marks are consistent with Cold War Italian service Brens manufactured by Breda Meccanica Bresciana in 1959 for state security or military use. The wooden butt and pistol grip are stamped FAT 242, and the magazine is marked BMB 1 ★ MA, consistent with Breda production and Italian service use.
The metalwork presents in outstanding condition with strong original finish and minimal handling wear. The wood furniture remains very attractive. An exceptionally clean example of a scarce post-war continental contract Bren.
Historical Note:
Originally developed in Britain in the 1930s, the Bren gun became one of the most respected and effective light machine guns of the Second World War. Derived from the Czech ZB-26 design (Brno) and adopted into British service at Enfield — hence the name “Bren” — it earned an enduring reputation for reliability, accuracy and ease of maintenance.
The Mk II was a wartime simplified production variant introduced in 1941, retaining the essential characteristics of the original pattern: top-mounted curved magazine, quick-change barrel system, adjustable gas regulator and folding bipod.
Following the formation of NATO, many Bren guns were either newly produced or converted to fire the standard 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. Italy, rearming under NATO alignment in the 1950s, produced Bren Mk II guns through Breda Meccanica Bresciana (BMB) for domestic service.
This example, dated 1959, and prominently stamped with Italian Republic state property and Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni acceptance marks, was manufactured for Italian state use, most likely for the Corpo delle Guardie di Pubblica Sicurezza (Public Security Corps), the militarised national police force which operated until its reorganisation in 1981 into the Polizia di Stato. These BMB-produced Brens represent an interesting Cold War continuation of a classic Second World War design into the NATO era.
*Condition*
The cocking handle and working parts move under spring tension; however, the mechanism does not cock or dry fire in accordance with deactivation standards.Matching serial number PS2230. Strong, crisp BMB markings. Excellent original finish to metalwork. Clean bore (deactivated). Wood furniture stamped FAT 242 with minor service wear only. Magazine correctly BMB marked. Mechanically complete externally. A particularly sharp and well-preserved Cold War example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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*We also reserve the right to cancel the transaction with a full refund if there is any suspicion that the provided item will be used in any way contrary to the laws and legislation of UK.
