date codes

[1919gunner]

both my recievers from AA are date coded bpr can anyone tell me what date this is? Dan? Thanks Shawn

[Dan @ Angola Armory]

Shawn,
bpr is not a date code, it is the manufactuer Johannes Grossfuss, Metall-u Lackierwarenfabrik. These are very early guns from 1942. The receivers will be dated 1942, 1943, after that the four manufactuers used a two letter date code as follows;
Maget (cra)
GH='43
NC= '44
SWD='45

Steyr (bnz)
GZ='43 (late)
PJ='44
SWJ= '44 (late

Gustoff (dfb)
FG= '43 (late)
MU='44
SVQ= '44 (late)

Mauser (ar)
JT= '43 (late)
DF= '44
dd (replaced "ar" indicates 1945, they were the late company to make the guns)

FWIW,
Dan
Angola Armory LLC

[1919gunner]

thank you dan. I really need to buy that book.

[aftershock2222]

Can you guys tell me where the identifying marks are on the receiver?I can't find them on mine,or maybe I just need glasses.Thanks.

[Abwehr]

aftershock,

All the MG 42s I have seen have the manufacturer's codes and dates stamped on the rear, left side of the receiver. They are large enough that you can't miss them.

[TOM R]

after shock if you meen the bird and crooked cross things they are very small,look on the topcover where the serial # is, mine has the nazi bird stamp above and below, they are in other places but can't recall off hand

is the nazi phonix stamp what is refered to as the waffen amp?

[Dan@AngolaArmory]

The serial numbers, date of manufacter and manufacter are located on the left sid rear of the receiver without exception in the 200+ guns that have gone through my shop.
Tom you are correct, the "nazi bird" is a waffenampt which shows up on almost all WWII German guns and someof the individual parts.
Dan