This is an example of a WWII German MG-34 light machine gun as used throughout WWII by all German forces. These were developed prior to WWII by the Rheinmetall company. They were an excellent and very reliable machine. However, they proved to be too costly and time consuming to produce, so they were eventually replaced with the later stamped and machined MG-42. These weapons featured all machined parts that were, in many cases, hand fitted with exacting tolerances. This example was manufactured by the Mauser factory in Borgiswalde outside Berlin. The top of the barrel jacket is marked "S/243/6839c", and it has the original folding bipod, front sight and tangent rear marked 2-20 (200-2,000 meters) and is fitted with the wooden buttstock. It has mixed manufacturers parts and serial numbers throughout the gun, which is fairly common in these early weapons as these parts were discarded before capture. There are no other accessories included with this weapon. However, there is a full compliment of all the basic field issue equipment and spare parts available in this auction for sale. There is a small old import mark on the receiver.