1945 Haenel StG44 y block duo.

[Joseph Burke]

These two are both 1945 Haenel y block production and both share the StG44 nomenclature. At least by serial, the top rifle in the 1000 y range has features one might expect to see on the assumed later 9000 y range rifle on the bottom.
On the lower serial rifle (top) note the simplified receiver stamping, lack of threaded muzzle, simplified front sight post, etc.. The bottom rifle (higher serial) has a phosphate lower as well as a phosphate muzzle nut, raw (not phosphate) hand guard, and resin grips. If you look closely you might spot a few other subtle differences. As an unrelated bonus, the lower rifle has one of those neat MP45 marked magazines.
Both rifles are minty examples with fantastic bluing on what was originally blued.
I'll admit I do find the contrasting finishes on these rifles very appealing.
Hopefully I can post my Steyr swj/XE (1945) example soon which has both a raw receiver and raw lower (as opposed to having phosphate).

 

[AN-94]

A fantastic pairing, I really do like the two-tone look of the later y block. Very interesting to see the production differences side by side within the same letter block by Haenel and awesome photos!

 

[biggymu]

That the first pair of Bakelite grips I’ve seen pictured. I guess I need to get a few more to keep up! Awesome collection Mr Burke.

 

[Absolut]

Hopefully I can post my Steyr hwj/XE (1945) example soon which has both a raw receiver and raw lower (as opposed to having phosphate).

Keen to see and compare against mine! I though know them as swj and not hwj? I wonder if yours is StG44 or MP44 marked? So far I have only seen one late Steyr that was StG44 marked.

 

[RampantLion]

Really cool guns!

 

[Joseph Burke]

Keen to see and compare against mine! I though know them as swj and not hwj? I wonder if yours is StG44 or MP44 marked? So far I have only seen one late Steyr that was StG44 marked.

yes, swj and it is MP44 marked.

 

[nahpatronen]

Are the numbers 1069y/45 and 9207y/45 ?
Steyr assembled StG44 had receivers made by Deutsche- und Kraftmaschinen (kode sup). They didn't use their own receivers. I presume it was in April and May 1945.

 

[Joseph Burke]

Are the numbers 1069y/45 and 9207y/45 ?
Steyr assembled StG44 had receivers made by Deutsche- und Kraftmaschinen (kode sup). They didn't use their own receivers. I presume it was in April and May 1945.

1069y/45 and 9907y/45 on the two Haenel StG44 marked examples. The MP44 marked Steyr rifle is coded swj with serial 8752h/XE.

 

[Absolut]

Steyr assembled StG44 had receivers made by Deutsche- und Kraftmaschinen (kode sup).

Spot on, applies to the one that I am aware of. Serial 66xx J / XE from 1945.

 

[flynaked]

Where are they marked, I must be missing it?

 

[Absolut]

Receiver flat at front bottom, just below where you see the swj markings in the above picture (of course not in that weapon, but those which are StG44 marked and Steyr made).

 

[joryfreeburg]

Some more really nice rifles…

 

[flynaked]

Receiver flat at front bottom, just below where you see the swj markings in the above picture (of course not in that weapon, but those which are StG44 marked and Steyr made).

Awesome thank you, I don’t follow them close, this is good info.

Also, yes, these are killer!!