Often incorrectly called the ‘Schmeisser’ the MP40 was a more simplified version of the MP38 designed and produced by Erma. Both designs revolutionised the manufacture of SMG’s. Using many stamped and die-cast parts, plastic instead of wood and a final finish that lacked any finesse. Both weapons could be mass-produced to meet the military need for a weapon that was cheap and reliable. Issued to German forces in WW2
Marks and Stamps: (L side of barrel and mag housing) Serial no. (Top of breech) MP40 ayf 43 3702| Accession Number: 221 | Period of Use: 1940 - 1960s |
| Type: Machine pistol/SMG | War Zones: Second World War; Arab-Israeli; Indo-China |
| Country of Origin: Germany | Type Date: 1940 |
| Manufacturer: Unknown (various) | Serial Number: 1061 |
| Manufacture Date: Unknown | Calibre/Ammunition: 9mm Parabellum |
| Weight: 3970g | Length Overall: 832mm |
| Cyclic Rate: 500rpm | Length Barrel: 248mm |
| Deactivation Certificate Number: DA 0960 |