Developed by Soviet arms designer Georgy Shpagin, the PPSh-41 was the go-to infantry submachine gun for the USSR in World War II, produced in quantity and fielded the full width of the Eastern Front. Similar to other popular SMGs of the day, the PPSh was a blowback-driven open-bolt design, using as many stamped components as possible and an interesting production expedient for the barrel; one could make 2 PPSh barrels by cutting a Mosin-Nagant barrel in half and machining a new 7.62x25mm breech. Fielded by the Red Army and air-dropped to Soviet-friendly partisan forces, the SMG was also used by the Nazis (both in original 7.62 and re-chambered for 9mm Parabellum). After the war, large quantities were supplied to the Korean People's Army and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, both of which deployed them en mass for the Korean War; while outstripped by the American M1 rifle and M2 carbine in terms of range and accuracy, they provided brutal up-close firepower during raids and night battles. Blade front and two-leaf rear sights, with an integral muzzle brake in the ventilated heat shield, marked "(star in shield)/1943" ahead of the ejector port, with a two position selector switch (full/semi) inside the trigger guard. Fitted with a smooth one piece hardwood stock, with a steel buttplate. One blue finished drum magazine, marked "star in shield", is included along with a canvas drum case. Provenance: The Allan Cors Collection