StG 44 (MP44, Merz-Werke) – Original WWII Assault Rifle

Price on request — contact us for details and availability. An original German StG 44 (Sturmgewehr 44) manufactured by Merz-Werke Gebr. Merz of Frankfurt am Main, marked "MP44" on the receiver — widely regarded by historians as the world's first true assault rifle and the design that influenced the postwar development of both the AK-47 and the M16. About the StG 44: Developed by Hugo Schmeisser and introduced into German service in 1943–44, the StG 44 (also known by its earlier designations MP 43 and MP 44) combined the firepower of a rifle with the handling of a submachine gun. Chambered in 7.92×33mm Kurz, it is a gas-operated, selective-fire weapon feeding from a 30-round curved box magazine, capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. Roughly 426,000 were produced between 1943 and 1945 by manufacturers including C.G. Haenel, Erfurter Maschinenfabrik, Mauser-Werke, and Merz-Werke, the last identified by its wartime factory code "cos." The StG's layout — a compact intermediate-cartridge rifle with a pistol grip and detachable box magazine — became the template for nearly every modern assault rifle that followed. This example, produced by Merz-Werke, retains its original wood buttstock and pistol grip, period finish, and factory markings, including the "cos" manufacturer code and Waffenamt inspection stamps. Important: This is a fully automatic, select-fire historic firearm. Sale, transfer, import, and export are subject to all applicable Maltese and EU firearms licensing and control requirements. Buyers must hold the appropriate licence/authorisation prior to purchase; we are happy to advise on the process. Full provenance, condition report, and licensing details available on request.