A Czech design developed in the 1930s and widely exported. Air-cooled, gas-operated and belt fed from the right side by a metal belt of either 100 or 200 round capacity, this weapon had selective rate of fire - slow (500 RPM) - fast (700 RPM). The British made Besa tank machine gun was based on the ZB37 and the German army made extensive use of this excellent weapon throughout the Second World War, its 7.92 mm ammunition compatible with that used in German machine guns. This example had limited markings but includes a Waffenampt stamp so may be an occupation period weapon made for German army use, where it was designated MG 37 (t)
Marks and Stamps: (top of cover, and L side of receiver) 2384 (Bolt head) 16 Waffenamt BAccession Number: 280 | Period of Use: WW2 |
Type: Machine gun | War Zones: |
Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia | Type Date: 1937 |
Manufacturer: Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka, Brno | Serial Number: 2384 |
Manufacture Date: Unknown | Calibre/Ammunition: 7.92mm |
Weight: 118600g | Length Overall: 1104mm |
Cyclic Rate: 500/700rpm | Length Barrel: 678mm |
Deactivation Certificate Number: CG 4840 |