RARE MG42 Early (pre-adoption 1943) by (swd) Maget (NC) 1945 s/n 32xxo

Description MG42 s/n 32##:

Early MG42 (pre-adoption) manufactured in 1942 with a 1945 release date, i.e. the first MG42s were assembled by Maget, a Rheinmetall subsidiary (see parts markings below).

- Early MG42 carcass (pre-adoption) 1942 (the bipods fold under the barrel liner and are held in place by a retaining pin similar to that of the MG34 when folded).

- The casing (carcass) of the oldest MG42 observed to date is coded "bpr", the code assigned to Grossfuss, and is also marked "WaA11", the Waffenamt used at the Maget factory.

- Bipod 1st Version (Bipod 34 converted between 1942/43), in fact the legs are the same as those of the MG34 bipod, but the mounting of the bipod on the weapon is of course entirely different on the MG42, by welding or riveting hooks that fit into the receiver's cut-outs.

- WaA26 1st version cocking handle ("flat" from the original, unmodified MG42). The several thousand grips already in service were not replaced on a large scale when the new model was introduced.

- Note that the MG is equipped with an anti-aircraft sight.

MG42 s/n 32##, Manufacturing codes and WaA :

(bpr) WaA147 (1942) J.Grossfuss, Metall- u. Lackiewarenfabrik, Döbeln (Sn)

(bpr) WaA47 (1942) Maget, Maschinen & Gerätebau Gmbh,Döbeln (Sn)

(cra) WaA11 (1942-44) Maget, Maschinen & Gerätebau Gmbh, Tegel (Be)

(swd) WaA11 (1945) Maget, Maschinen & Gerätebau Gmbh; Tegel (Be)

(dfb) WaA4 (1940-43) Gustloff-Werke, Suhl (Th)

(hec) WaA727 (1943) Steinbach & Vollmann, Heiligenhaus (NW)

.

MG42 s/n 32##, Part code details :

- Final assembly: NC MG42 32## o swd, Maget, Maschinen & Gerätebau Gmbh Berlin 1945

- Front body: (bpr) WaA147 J.Grossfuss, Döbeln 1942 or (bpr) WaA47 Maget, Maschinen & Gerätebau Gmbh Berlin 1942

- Cam part (central assembly): cra 6 FA11 3560 o

- Rear housing: (bpr WaA11); NC MG42 32## o swd

- Cylinder head: s/n 126: (cra) WaA11 1942-45

- Barrel: RX, "dfb 9" stamp, (dfb) WaA4

- Barrel freight; "dfb 11":

- tube stamped 7.9 (Gauged Ø 7.90mm)

- Muzzle brake :

- Flame cover lock; (bpr) PJ 1944:

- Axcelerator :

- Support wedge :

- Top cover: (bpr) PJ 1944

- Feed tray: (bpr)

- Cocking lever: (bpr)

- Gun door; (bpr) PJ 1944

- cartridge ejection door :

- plug lock: (jdc) PJ 1944

- Trigger housing: (bpr) WaA147 1942

- Handle plate: 1943

- Stock stamp :

- Stock: wood

- Bipod group: (hec) WaA727 1943

Production : The "official" total number of MG42s produced during the war was estimated at around 400,000 pieces.

1942 ~ 18'000

1943 ~130'000

1944 ~200'000

1945 ~ 52'500

Based on brief notes taken by the various armaments committees, Rauscher estimated deliveries at around 17,500 pieces per month from January to March 1945, giving a total of 52,500 pieces for 1945.