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When did ERMA change the receiver markings on their MP44 receivers from MP43 to MP44?

P

Planejack

Well-known member
Hello All,
I have a friend who has a 44 dated Erma made (qlv) MP44(?) parts kit that has a serial number ending in “z”. It has the later features, standard Muzzle Nut, standard Front Sight Post, Stepped qlv Barrel, Concentric Ring Mag release button and a few Phosphated parts. Unfortunately the Ferrule and its Stock are not matching to rest of kit, and the rear receiver is gone. Claus Espeholt has it listed as an MP43, but he’s wondering (As am I) if it indeed might be an MP44 instead of an MP43?
So, might any of the experts know if the Claus site is without fail, or at this late “z” suffix to serial number in the year of 44….and the features listed, might this actually be considered an MP44, and not an MP43. I hope this question doesn’t fall under the category of “Who Cares”. as it does to him. Thanks to anyone who might be able to shed any light on this.
 
If the model number was stamped before the receiver is bent and assembled to a functional receiver, it is possible a left over flat could have been used up until the last day of production
 
Ok, so maybe a better question for us to have asked is “When might an ERMA (qlv) made receiver assembled by Mauser (byf) with a serial number ending in “z” have been made? Because I too agree with what I think you’re implying….that when ERMA stamped a “Flat” it also received the designation marking of the weapon system at the time of stamping. So, ERMA might have had an MP43 stamp on it….but by the time it made it to Mauser to assemble into a gun…it (The designation assigned to these guns) may have changed over to MP44? Who stamped the serial number on the guns….ERMA the receiver (And other parts) maker, or Mauser at time of throwing it all together and test firing?
 
I hope you can see those. If not I’ll ask him to take other pics later? I also had to make them small to load files
 
I normally don't posts copies out of books but Sturmgewehr is out of print and the publisher is out of business.

I thought I found a section that would help but after rereading it, probably not
 
Sturm has a section on step by step manufacturing of the receiver. It does indicate the the model number is stamped into the sheet metal blank before it is bent

Do you have a copy of Sturmgeweher
 
Is that the book by Dieter Handrich? On cover it shows Hitler in review of new weapon types laid out on table in winter?
 
Sturmgewehr does not indicate that Erma made the sheetmetal stamping of the receiver, only the milled block. Also numerous other parts. This is in the section on parts production. Is it possible that each assembly factory stamped their own receivers, the reason the sheetmetal component is not listed.

My main interest is in Kalashnikov rifles. I can tell you that I have yet to read any in-depth firearms books that do not have outright errors and errors of admissions.
 
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