MP38u40 Transport Box

[Rekraps]

Well, it's been about a year now since the original post, and things are getting a bit slow on this Forum, so I thought I'd revive the "ol Transport Box" topic.

I have to tell you guys that this is one of the best accessories I have had the pleasure to purchase. As it turns out, Reidar Daae (BergFlak) completed his research into these mysterious transport boxes and now has firm documentation as to how there were used in WW2. The boxes were used to store MP38's and MP40's in special use vans (like Luftwaffe mobile communications vans). The boxes were designed to be mounted vertically on the wall of the van, thus explaining why the magazine retention strips were placed as they are, to prevent the mags from falling out when opening the box. Same for the trigger/loader swivel bar. Here is a pic of the now completed and filled box. when mounted the barrel of the gun would face down. The reproduction box I bought is of excellent quality and matches the original design almost perfectly. 

http://www.wwiiboxes.co.uk/mysite2/images/Martin-pic.jpg

And then of course, is the "way too cool" factor when you walk in the gun store or range and everyone wants to peek inside. 

The closed box in the lower middle contains a small buffer spring, a firing pin, an extractor and a sear. All per the original load TOE. I've spent time making sure that the WaffenMarks of all the replacement parts and magazines match the gun. In the frame on the lid, the correct fill is a list of box contents, I have not yet recreated that. Instead, I've inserted an original Die Maschinenpistolen war publication which details care and maintenance of the most commonly used German SMG's used at that time.

 

 

[Normal1959]

What a work of art. Thanks for sharing.

Eric

[Mike Hammer]

Where did you find the publication paper for the German sub guns? I seem to recall seeing these but thy were priced I. The 2 to 300 dollar range 

[Rekraps]

You are correct about the pricing.... if you can find the publication. In this case I got lucky and found the exact one that details the MP18, MP28, MP35, MP38 & MP40. It's dated 1943 and when unfolded, is six or seven pages, both sides on heavy stock almost cardboard. I lucked into this purchase (it was only $45!) on a European auction site (I'll try to remember which one) and made an offer which the buyer accepted. There were several variations of this type of publication, others covered MG38/42, Mauser etc. and some even covered mines and stuff like that. I just happened to see this was specific to the SMG's so I jumped on it. 

[TSMGguy]

There's another small period booklet that would work very well.

 

 

 

 

[Rekraps]

On 11/17/2022 at 8:40 AM, TSMGguy said:

There's another small period booklet that would work very well.

 

 

 

 

Agree.... I'm trying to find original publications, is that a reprint?

[Mike Hammer]

That's a reprint I think, reprints are widely available even though, the original was not a publication for the military. I think a better item to install on the inside cover would be a parts breakdown of the gun itself and not just a photograph of the inside of the case with all accoutrement's.  

Edited November 18, 2022 by Mike Hammer

[TSMGguy]

3 hours ago, Rekraps said:

Agree.... I'm trying to find original publications, is that a reprint?

The one pictured is a period original. There are reprints.

[Mike Hammer]

If original, its in nice minty condition. The reprints look pretty much the same. But these are too large to fit into the frame of the box lid otherwise I would consider putting one in mine.

[BRMCII]

Who is the maker of the reproductions of these boxes?

[pstidan]

8 hours ago, BRMCII said:

Who is the maker of the reproductions of these boxes?

Martin Lake at WWII Boxes in the UK.  => www.wwiiboxes.co.uk 

 

[Rekraps]

Very nice guy, and good work.  Buying the box gives you another reason to spend more money on accessories! BergFlak can help fill it with matching OEM parts. 

[Mad Machinist]

Oh hell........something else I need......errrrr want

 

[Rekraps]

13 hours ago, Mad Machinist said:

Oh hell........something else I need......errrrr want

 

Get one while they are still being made.  A real conversation starter! I keep a printed copy of Reidar Daae's research on the box, to include the German technical manual where it shows the box in a Luftwaffe van.  

[Mad Machinist]

On 11/28/2022 at 9:04 AM, Rekraps said:

Get one while they are still being made.  A real conversation starter! I keep a printed copy of Reidar Daae's research on the box, to include the German technical manual where it shows the box in a Luftwaffe van.  

You know me.....LOL...I'm more about shooters than being historically correct......I'll probably build something similiar more to my purpose.......but that is an awesome set you have there...

 

Edited November 30, 2022 by Mad Machinist

[Lt Shaffer]

Bought my transit case from a guy in Prague a few years ago. I still need the metal frame for the underside of the lid.

Edited December 3, 2022 by Lt Shaffer

[Rekraps]

I love it! The box orientation (go to Bergflak's website to see pics) is standing on its side, barrel downward. So your magazines should face the other way, opening to the right. That way, when you mount the box in your Tahoe the bullet side of the mags won't press against the wood sides!  

I really like the leather lid "stop" strap on the right. I'm gonna fine me one as mine does not have it.