MG34 Transport Container ???????

[rgus48]

This is proported as a German MG34 transport container for paratroopers or alpinr troops. While it kind of looks WW2 german, I don't believe it is what they say. Anyone have any ideas what it is?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200829432601?ss ... 1423.l2649

[Pug42]

I would have expected something as elaborate as that to carry some manufacturers stamps somewhere, and the seller doesn't mention any, yet he highlights them in his other items, such as the barrel case.

Absence of markings does not prove it isn't WW2 German however, as we all know!

I must admit this is something completely new to me - looking forward to somebody being able to shed any light on this? First of all is it actually meant for the MG34 at all? I would have expected more lugs and brackets to hold the gun pieces securely in postion, the way the German mindset usually works? As it is it looks like they'd rattle around like crazy apart from the receiver... held on by a post in the charging handle!? Seems unlikely.

I think it may well be German, but for some other purpose entirely...

[rgus48]

Where is Folke when you need him LOL

[Pug42]

Exactly! It doesn't feature in either of his books though...

[42rocker]

Just bought one at the Creek. It was sold to me as one of the boxes that was used to ship the 1,000 mg34's that Germany sold to the Portuguese. Had Folke Myrvang look at it and he thought that it could have been one of them. That said everything that I have seen and read stated that there was not a mg34 single unit shipping box other than those used for this shipment. Still could have been one that I have not heard about so. When I get over the Creek trip I'll bring it out and take a few pics of it. It came with 3 mg34 barrel carriers (like new) that had the same number painted on them. I believe that some area's of the box "might" have been changed since it was made.

Later 42rocker

[Pug42]

The metal example in the OP went for $405 in the end.

I'm a little confused by your post 42rocker as it sounds as though you are describing the wooden cases used for the Portuguese contract, rather than this unusual metal case? It doesn't look large enough in the eBay pics to have three barrel carriers inside it as well? May just be an optical illusion so I'd be very keen to see the pics of your example when you get chance...

I still think a curved metal case with a load of gun parts (and now three barrel carriers!) rattling around loose inside is an odd concept...? Also, given that the Portuguese MG34s were released for sale to the collectors market I believe at the end of the 90s why has it taken so long for these to surface?

One possible explanation is that the metal case is the actual 'transit case' from Germany to Portugal, and the Portuguese (as many think anyway, as not typical German construction) made the wooden chests to replace the odd and rather impractical metal ones, which probably got thrown away or used for something else.

Fascinating stuff anyway and I look forward to further elaboration/info etc!

[42rocker]

Well moved and typed too fast on this topic. I bought the wood one as talked about... Not that interesting metal one that was in the auction.
John JBaum can you help us out here or Folke???

Later 42rocker

[rgus48]

Well here is another proported " Transport Chest" I keep hoping that someone will know what the heck they really are. I don't think they have anything to do the MG34.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WW2-german-MG34 ... 3a7bb24197

[42rocker]

Almost want to email the seller and say "well take your mg34 apart and put it into it and show us how it fits".
As I posted last time Folke Myrvang, or searchfire or bergflak or Kata or John Braum, someone step in and give us some info on this, please.

Later 42rocker

[Matt]

Those cans have nothing to do with the MG34. Pure fantasty.

[Pug42]

I would be inclined to agree with you - so what is it, and is it even German!?

[Folke]

I saw the tin box when it was offered on eBay. Its amazing what people will try to pawn off as original. Its just a metal box that you can take your MG34 apart and place inside if you like, but it was not intended for that purpose from the beginning. Just another Bullshitter offering his crap to the unsuspecting public.