WW2 German Machinengewehr MG42 "Display" Machine Gun with Bipod (Original Parts)
SKU: 373
Type: Original Parts
Availability: In-Stock
Manufacturer:
Manufacturer's Code: MB
Date Manufactured: N/C
Model: MG42
Serial Number: S-S112 24913
Maker Marks:
Caliber: 8mm Mauser / 7.92×57mm
Action Type: Non working full-auto display
Weight: 25.5 lbs (11.6 kg)
Length: 48.25 inches.
Pistol Grip & Butstock: Bakelite
Condition: Mint
Price: $5,500.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: MB-4000
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This German Machinengewehr MG42 Display Machine Gun with Bipod is in mint condition. All the parts are original.
History
The MG42 (Maschinengewehr 42) was one of the most formidable and iconic general-purpose machine guns of World War II, developed to replace the earlier MG34. This particular example was manufactured by MAGET – Maschinen und Gerätebau GmbH, Berlin, one of the major wartime producers entrusted with the construction of this critical weapon system.
Introduced in 1942, the MG42 quickly gained a fearsome reputation on the battlefield due to its astonishing rate of fire, between 1,200 to 1,500 rounds per minute—far exceeding most Allied counterparts. The weapon earned nicknames such as “Hitler’s Buzzsaw” or “Hitler’s Zipper” due to the distinctive high-speed sound of its discharge. German doctrine emphasized volume of fire and battlefield suppression, and the MG42 excelled at both in fixed positions and mobile deployment roles.
This MAGET-produced variant is marked with correct wartime manufacturing codes and features the distinct wartime stamped metal construction techniques that streamlined mass production. While early MG34s required time-intensive machining, the MG42 used more pressed parts, allowing faster output with reduced production costs—an essential adaptation as the war intensified.
Key features of this original MG42 include:
- Stamped receiver construction with milled and riveted components.
- Folding bipod mount near the muzzle, allowing for prone or field emplaced fire.
- Chambered in 7.92×57mm Mauser, the standard German infantry cartridge.
- Quick-change barrel system to manage overheating under sustained fire.
- Bakelite pistol grip and buttstock, common in later war variants.
- Correct MAGET wartime manufacturer markings and serial number range consistent with mid-late war production.
The weapon was belt-fed, typically from non-disintegrating metal belts (Gurt 34/40), and often paired with the Lafette 42 tripod for sustained fire missions. While not included with this example, the integrated bipod provided valuable support for mobile infantry operations.
The MG42 became a cornerstone of German squad-based firepower doctrine, with one or two MG teams often forming the core of an infantry squad’s fire capability. Its high rate of fire, rugged design, and effectiveness ensured that it remained in service long after the war, influencing postwar designs such as the MG3, which is still used by NATO forces today.
This MAGET-manufactured MG42 is a historically significant and visually striking artifact, representing the apex of German machine gun engineering during the Second World War. It stands as both a technical marvel and a sobering reminder of the destructive power of industrialized warfare.
