This is a fine example of a WWI era German M.P.18 I SMG manufactured by the Theodor Bergmann factory. The model was designed by Hugo Schmeisser in 1917 and first appeared in early 1918 and was only used on a limited basis during WWI. After WWI however they were considered significant war items and were specifically banned/restricted under the Treaty of Versailles. It is a straight blow back type weapon firing the standard 9 mm Luger cartridge. It has a heavy tubular receiver and barrel jacket with a heavy round bolt that used a fixed firing pin. The various parts and assemblies were all subcontracted out to smaller companies, with the Bergmann factory doing the final assembly and testing. The top of the receiver it stamped: "M.P.18,I./Crown/I/33293/Crown/C". The left side is marked: "THEODORE BERGMANN ABT. WAFFENBAU SUHL." The receiver and barrel jacket are fitted with a fixed blade front sight and a 2 position (200 and 300 meters) rear sight. It has a one-piece walnut stock with finger grooves on the sides with a flat stamped steel buttplate. It has matching visible numbers on the various parts except the front of the handguard. This SMG comes with its original leather sling and one original Bing Brothers Luger drum magazine with its adapter for use on this weapon.