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need help to validate authenticity of this sten please Fake or real?


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Hardware looks good as do the markings. Been to Finland and has the usual SA marking. There is no quick way to access form and date of original registration, the most reliable determinant of C+R status, and that leaves you with the info on the gun and the current registration. Are there any stamps indicating a US addressed or ID'ed shop or individual anywhere on the tube, magwell or under any overlapping parts that are easily removable? MGs, appearing to be C+R can have been registered post '68 Amnesty for a variety of reasonbs, which cannot be determined without a copy of the original registration.

Registration information can be very erratic for many reasons, but despite that, it is the only source of a baseline available most of the time. if the mfg/importer info indicates Brit, or any source that is not a US name and address, then chances are the ti is legit. MkIIIs are not very common in the NFRTR compared to MkIIs. The "tube" Stens, for all practical purposes were mostly legitimately manufactured and registered and the tube will be marked with the maker's ID, usually quite prominently.

If you have access to the gun, inspect it very carefully and observe the age and fit compatibility, evidence of non-factory welding, work that represents reactivation of a registered DEWAT, or any anomalies that raise an issue. You can research the maker whose initials are on the magwell and the serial number range.

In my opinion it looks correct from the few pics offered but a thorough inspection, preferably by someone who has knowledge at what he is looking would help ally worries. FWIW

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Im afraid its a Mk3 kit on a new tube, the tabs on the lower were cut off in the demil and the mag well is welded on rather than by spots. The biggest give away is the seamless tube used. All MkIII used a rolled tube where the seam at the top became a sight rib. Oh and the extra holes in the tube something akin to a Sterling.
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that is likely an aftermarket tube gun with MKIII parts on it. AFAIK all MKIII's were formed to the seam on the top which is why there are no new mfg. guns since it was far easier to use a tube and make one of the other models, or in this case use a tube and make it look as good as possible without much work. A good example (other than the finish) is this one

 

https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/_N__RESTORED_ORIGINAL_BRITISH_LINE_BROTHERS_MANUFA-LOT464364.aspx

 

They are now pretty scarce since back in the day no one saw any value vs. an MKII. Course today scarce things are now collectible? HTH

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