Original Item: Only One available. Constructed from a legally demilitarized (de-milled) parts set, this is a wonderful and rare German WWII Era MG 13 Display Light Machine Gun. It is built from all original parts on an original BATF compliant non-firing display receiver, making this a 100% legal display machine gun. This receiver was created by using portions of the original torch cut receiver, including the barrel bushing, combined with some new made solid steel portions. It has properly had a 25% section of the total length completely replaced entirely with solid steel bar stock. Meaning a 1/4 length section of the display receiver is solid steel, making this legal to own without a license of any kind.

The MG 13 was the standard light machine gun of the Wehrmacht from 1930 through 1934. The design, which was adapted from the Dreyse machine gun of World War One, is simple and rugged. From the tactical point of view, the Germans considered that the LMG they wanted had to be belt fed with a quick barrel change feature, which led to the MG 34 being adopted. Nevertheless, the MG 13 saw widespread use as a second-line light automatic weapon. Some countries, for example Great Britain, had fine success using a magazine-fed gun as their basic LMG (the BREN gun), and the United States had good success with the BAR in a similar role.

The MG 13 did have a relatively rapid barrel change feature, which permitted sustained firing over longer periods of time, but it was a little more involved and time consuming than the MG 34 and BREN. The BAR, of course, did not feature a quick-change barrel at all. In order to support the MG 13 in the sustained-fire role, each fire team was supplied with extra barrels.

This example bears multiple Waffenamt proofs on various components. It features all original parts (with the exception of the solid steel portion of the dummy receiver) including a foldable butt stock and functional bipod. The butt stock still locks into the open position, and can be folded back up along the right side of the receiver, though the spring button retaining mechanism on the side of the receiver is missing. The top of the receiver has an intact rear ladder sight, complete with the fold up rectangular anti-aircraft sight.

The bipod is in very good condition, and looks to be at least partially made from original MG 13 parts, though it may have been reconditioned during the WWII period using parts adapted from an MG 34 or 42. The legs definitely have period repairs, and do not correctly lock into place under the barrel jacket. The display gun still features much of the original blued finish, now worn in areas from service. The top cover still opens up to examine the interior deactivated components. It comes with an original magazine where permitted, otherwise the spring and follower will be removed.

A really nice deactivated example of this important development in German firearms history, ready to display!

Specifications
Weight 13.3 kg (29 lb)
Length 1,443 mm (56.8 in)
Barrel length 718 mm (28.3 in)
Cartridge 7.92×57mm Mauser
Feed system 25 round box magazine, or 75 round saddle drum, 5 round stripper clip

The MG 13 (shortened from German Maschinengewehr 13) is a German light machine gun developed by converting the Dreyse Model 1918 heavy water-cooled machine gun, into an air-cooled version.

History
Dreyse Model 1918 Machinegun: In 1907 Louis Schmeisser of Erfurt patented a machinegun named in honor of the inventor of the needle gun by the heads of the factory where it was made which was founded by Dreyse. The Dreyse machinegun was a heavy, usually tripod mounted, belt-fed and water cooled machinegun.

The 1907 model was succeeded by the 1912 and later 1918 models. On ascending to power Adolf AH immediately ordered the Model 1918 to be modernized by the company Simson in Suhl. It became the MG13.

Usage
The MG 13 was introduced into service in 1930, where it served as the standard light machine gun until 1935. It was superseded by the MG 34 and then later the MG 42.

MG 13s were sold to Spain where they retained the designation of MG13 and to Portugal which used them into the late 1940s as the 'Metralhadora 7,92 mm m/1938 Dreyse. Those MG 13s that were not sold were placed into storage, and these later saw use in World War II by second line German units. As it was easy to handle and reload, many second line troops could use the MG 13 with efficiency.

On later examples a 75-round saddle drum was also used. It was equipped with a folding butt stock and a carrying handle It was used in the turret of the Panzer I tank.

The Chinese Nationalist Government also imported the MG 13 with the Panzer I Ausf A. tanks from Germany in 1936. The MG 13 was also used against the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Portugal used it as squad automatic weapon during Portuguese Colonial War, under the name m/938.