What is the going rate for a MG34 saddledrum?

[ChrisPCook]

What is the going rate for an MG34 saddledrum, I'll need to verify the markings to make sure it is a 34, and not a 15, any ideas? Thanks, Chris...

[Bil]

Chris-the 34 drum has a spring winder on it-the 15 double drums have no provision for this-a solid cover.The winder is a round thing in the middle of each drum,with the letters Y and O next to it.The 15 drums are fairly common,@ 400 or so.Real 34 double drums....????? ---bil

[JBaum]

Saddle drum feed covers for the top of the MG34 are $1,400, but nobody has seen a true MG34 double drum for sale in a long time. The top covers are common compared to the drums. I'd think a drum for $2,000 would be deal.

[Artie in Miami]

I was told by a very good authority (from this forum) that it is pretty easy to tell the differance between the mg15 drum and the mg34 drum.

The MG34 drum has:
covers for the adjustable spring w/ 2 screws
no luftwaffe markings (mg15 drums are all luft marked)
narrower top release latch
WaA markings
A WaA mark to rear of cartridge opening

That is what I was told to look for...sort of makes sense...mg15 went into aircraft, hence luftwaffe markings...mg34 were army, so WaA marked.

artie in miami

[Bil]

The 15 was used in a ground role,either water-cooled or the air-cooled version.I don't know if that would make a dif in the markings . ---bil

[ChrisPCook]

Well, as it turns out, and many of you probably suspected, it's an MG15 drum, not a 34, however I bought it today for 150$, so there is some silver lining in it after all. Chris.... Too bad it wasn't a 34.......

[Bil]

If it's in good shape,that is a very good price.Most I have seem are around $400. ---bil

[ChrisPCook]

Here is the drum I got, nothing special but the price, it was an MG15, but couldn't complain, it was 150$.....