MG42/59 Identification please!

[Spiggs]

Hi Gents.

Im hoping you can help? I acquired a MG42 last year, its in cal 762x51. The gun has no markings, proof or otherwise. Im guessing its a MG42/59 and not a MG53

The photo quality is terrible as the pic was taken in an underground vault, Is it possible to identify by the recoil booster? and the MG through this? Looks a lot different from any others ive seen,
The weapon is a fully operational, which is allowed as a collector in South Africa however is a very difficult permit to get. My licence should hopefully be granted by the end of the year, maybe then I can detail strip and photograph properly.

All help appreciated.

Information

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[Lee Enfield]

An MG42 and MG53 should both be marked on the left rear side of receiver with designation and manufacturer markings.

An MG53 would also have a Yugo "victory" cartouche marking on the top cover, and have NSN style coded number markings roll stamped on all significant and replaceable parts.

I've never seen a "clandestine"/unmarked MG42.

[Sarge]

I agree, there should be markings on it.
In 60 yrs of collecting/shooting these things I've never heard of a totaly unmarked MG42-M53-MG42/59.
The Bundeswehr changed the designation of the MG 42/59 to MG 1 about the time they changed the caliber to 7.62 Nato.
Sarge

[Spiggs]

Thanks Sarge, we going through our April holidays at the moment, when I have a gap I shall take loads of detailed photo's. No markings as far as I could tell. I checked the usual places. Let me have a real good look and strip her down as well.

[Spiggs]

Alright gents, I managed to get a proper look at my 42 and this is what I found. You right, loads of markings















---------- Post added at 04:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:39 PM ----------

Any idea's I somehow think its Italian but may be wrong!

[Sarge]

Markings say it all.
You have an MG 42/59 which - in German service - later became the MG 1 and then when converted to 7.62 Nato, the MG 3.
Very Nice early post war gun to have!
Your gun is not German, I'd be inclined to say it is Italian, but? There were at least 8 or 10 countries adopted this gun under different designations.
Sarge