Can anyone identify this bipod as being from WWII or post war? These pictures were pulled from a posting on this site years back of a very late war dual finish German WWII MG42. The reason I am asking about the Bipod, is that I am looking for a late war one for my 42, and am intrigued by the head on this as well as some other features that seem to be characteristics of these “Late War” bipods. However, upon finding one “svq SM” marked….I was told that these types with the type of head these have are all post war. Can anyone help? Does anyone have one of these to show?
Can anyone identify this Bipod as WWII or post war?
- Thread starter Planejack
- Start date
biggymu
Well-known member
1945 MG42 Dual Tone Pictures
A Polish Facebook page I follow had pictures of this dual tone 1945 production MG42 Figured some here would like to see them;
www.k98kforum.com
They were probably made on the same machinery post war.
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biggymu
Well-known member
Glad you brought it up. I hadn’t paid attention to the bipod when I found that thread, nor have I ever seen one like it. I can’t find another picture of one with a head like that. Concerning that particular weapon, I don’t think I could question its authenticity. Do the waffenampt numbers you see, lead you to believe they are fakes?
Well….In fact, I’ve seen about 5 over the years, and believed them to be very late (44-45) production. I’ve only seen two different manufacturers svq SW, svq MU WaA4 (44-45 respectively) this is Gustloff-Werke and the one pictured hec WaA355 Steinbach & Vollmann. I stated that I saw three different WaA….but one I misstook as being different…but it was WaA4. Now, when I showed this to another collector, he stated that it was a post war head. My concern was….if as many as two different (Maybe more if someone else has one) made them…and the head is so unique…was there a new design that spread to at least two different makers…but if that’s the case, why haven’t we’ve seen more? I will take pictures of my two tomorrow….hopefully someone has one, or can help me determine if these are legit. I’m hoping the other collector is wrong.
I’ll get those pictures taken today. In the meantime here’s a confirmation of both of the makers. Notice the end dates of WaA4 when the date code changed. I have dfb 1944, but the bipod variation in question (Head modification) uses the late code changed…however keeps the WaA code as same. The “hec” maker in this summary does not show an end date. I’ve often wondered why no one has sought to weight a reference book on the MG34/42 Bipods?
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Here are some pictures, and I’ll add more a bit later today. I’ve taken pictures of the three I have….all made by Gustloff Werke starting in early 1944, through late 1945. Notice the change that I suspect was made to hasten production….utilizing the necessity to machine metal…but rather, resort to what was later employed post war (Albeit in a much different fashion) utilizing all stamped metal components. I’ll start with the “dfb 1944” marked bipod. They utilized the standard head…but eliminated the adjustment knob!
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The next picture is of second bipod “dfb MU”. Although I’m not sure….but it’s believed (At least by me) that this represents a late 1944 produced specimen by Gustloff Werke. Notice the changes made to the previously seen machined parts….over to now stamped components. Also notice the stamped numbers on these type of bipods. All I’ve seen have them…and if it hasn’t been “Mucked” with…will all match.
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Now, I was to.d that the bottom two with the changed headpiece are post war. I never like to dispute that which I don’t know as a fact. So, I’m open to learning new things…and am wondering if anyone has similar bipods, or knows anything about what I suspect was a late war change in the manufacturing process?
biggymu
Well-known member
This, to me, is pretty damn interesting. MG42s are few and far between so this late bipod design change isn’t easily noticed unless you are completely focused on that part, as you are. Especially interesting to me is the E/4 proof. I’ve collected everything Simson from their 1915 Gew98’s onwards. I have no further relevant information on the subject but thanks for shining a light on this. Good luck in your search.