Pics of FG42s in Paris

[Guillaume d'Orange]

The "Musée de l'Armée" reopened and I realized there are 4 FG42s on display there (one is in the "Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération").

I've never seen an FG42 before and was stunned to see how compact this thing is (some 16cm shorter than a 98k) !

Unsurprisingly, the 4 of them were made by Krieghoff (fzs), the serials are 239, 640, 920 and 2351.

239 was captured in August 1944 on Mont Valérien, nearby Paris. Trigger guard is damaged and the trigger group has been removed.
640 and 2351 are exhibited together.
920 was seized by a French lieutenant from a paratrooper of the 4. Fallschirmjäger-Division on June 27, 1944 in Italy. The only copy complete with mag and bayonet.

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Number 640

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Number 920

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Number 2351

 

[Hambone]

Thank you GO! Pic stickied for ref.

 

[Muncher 1953]

interesting evolution of the grip angle - though of course most of us won’t ever get to hold, shoot or even see one of these rifles in the flesh, I find it interesting that they took the trouble to change the grip angle on a weapon of such low production numbers, and so close to the end of things. the original grip angle is quite distinctive, looks uncomfortable (to me), but I suppose the idea was to make firing easier if one had to, while still descending?

at any rate, thanks for sharing these, G.O.

 

[bigwagon]

I was there a couple years ago and noticed them too, although I only recall seeing 3 so I missed one! I'll see if I can dig up any photos. I remember seeing 2 Type 1s and a Type 2. It was quite exciting at the time!

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Hi Gents, I'm glad you liked the pictures.
bigwagon, the one you probably missed is number 239. It is located in Musée de l'Ordre de Libération within the Invalides compound (this separate museum has been closed for 4 years and reopened late 2015). The FG42 there has its own glass case and is the most interesting one to see as you can get really close.
The 3 others are located in the section "Les Deux Guerres Mondiales", which is separate from the section "Louis XIV to Napoleon".
Map of the museum: https://www.musee-armee.fr/plan-interactif/index.html

 

[KDF82]

interesting evolution of the grip angle - though of course most of us won’t ever get to hold, shoot or even see one of these rifles in the flesh, I find it interesting that they took the trouble to change the grip angle on a weapon of such low production numbers, and so close to the end of things. the original grip angle is quite distinctive, looks uncomfortable (to me), but I suppose the idea was to make firing easier if one had to, while still descending?

at any rate, thanks for sharing these, G.O.

Yes many Thanks G.O... I've only seen the example at Aberdeen and I believe Smithsonian? many years ago.. To your points. The weapon was started in early 42 and much higher numbers were requested. Inside politics and material shortages redirected the course basically. The grip angle is interestingly unique, deliberate and comfortable especially in prone. Once more of the SMG reproductions get out there I'm sure a few squeezes at the range can be had. 200 through mine so far..

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Number 239 (close-up), courtesy of Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération :

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Number 640, courtesy of Musée de l'Armée, Paris:

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Number 920, courtesy of Musée de l'Armée, Paris:

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Number 2351 (type G), courtesy of Musée de l'Armée, Paris:
Acceptance stamps are on the top of the receiver. One can clearly see the crude receiver with "stamped sheets" . Please note the triggerguard and trigger stamped with an "fzs" and various parts with a "1" stamp, others with a "2" (retaining pin, receiver) and a small Luftwaffe stamp.

 

[jithaca]

Pictures are greatly appreciated, Bless You !

 

[Hambone]

OG, that's outstanding. Thank you very much. Pic sticky for ref.

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

OG, that's outstanding. Thank you very much. Pic sticky for ref.

You’re welcome Ham. The fellows at the museums have been very responsive. It seems that the first pic sticky got lost after the software change
The critical thinking exercise Mike and Ryan started about HK Lugers is interesting, it led me into requesting pics and it seems we don’t know much about how Krieghoff really worked.

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

More pics, courtesy of the Musée de l'Armée. No acceptance stamps on #201. You will notice the serial number stamped inside the bipods of #1410, at the basis of the muzzle brake and on the muzzle brake adjuster.

FG42 #201:





FG42 #1410:

 

[Benny65]

I took a quick trip Wednesday to the Springfield Armory museum and they had a fg42 in a display as well; I was surprised to see it there.
Sorry no pictures.
Thanks for the pictures from your trip.

 

[a j s]

New Zealands Military Museum has one of each,captured at the front.[they are behind glass]
PS this current site will not let me show 2nd model??

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

New Zealands Military Museum has one of each,captured at the front.[they are behind glass]
PS this current site will not let me show 2nd model??

Thanks ajs, I may drop them an e-mail inquiring about the serial numbers of the guns. I’m looking for guns before s/n #200.