An original Second World War Bren Mk II light machine gun, dated 1943 and retaining matching serial numbers, wartime Ministry of Supply inspection marks, and numerous original production codes throughout. This example is deactivated to the older French specification and is accompanied by its original Saint-Étienne proof house neutralisation certificate dated 19/11/03. The action remains in moving condition, cocking and dry-firing correctly.
The right-hand side of the body is clearly marked with wartime King’s Crown over “AN” Ministry of Supply inspection marks together with a “U” location / production code associated with the Monotype Group Bren manufacturing network. The receiver is further marked “BREN Mk II”, “M/67”, and dated “1943”. The “M/67” code identifies manufacture of the main body assembly by Daimler Ltd, one of the principal contractors within the wartime Monotype Group dispersal production scheme.
The Monotype Group was a confederation of British engineering firms organised under the Monotype Corporation in order to disperse Bren production across multiple factories during the war, reducing vulnerability to enemy bombing while dramatically increasing output. Under this arrangement, Daimler manufactured the main receiver bodies, while other firms supplied barrels and component parts for final assembly within the Monotype network.
The weapon retains serial number “T8428” to the rear body section, with matching “T8428” additionally present to the locking shoulder assembly, accompanied by Broad Arrow, “229”, “L”, and “M” fitting and inspection marks. Further markings include “M.C.” to the body rail, “CRD” to the bright steel barrel collar section, identifying manufacture by Climax Rock Drill, and additional Crown over “AN” with “U” inspection marks to the barrel itself.
The rear sight is stamped with Broad Arrow and “S81” markings, while the underside stock mechanism also carries Broad Arrow over “S81”. “S81” is the wartime dispersal code for the Monotype Corporation factory at Salfords, Surrey, which acted as a principal assembly point within the Monotype Group system. As Bren guns were assembled from components produced by multiple contractors within the group, it is entirely correct and historically consistent to encounter “M/67” Daimler markings alongside “S81” Monotype codes and other subcontractor marks on an original wartime example such as this. The bipod assembly is additionally stamped “A.M.S.”, denoting a wartime subcontractor manufacturer. The selector remains clearly marked “A”, “M”, and “S”, and the adjustable gas regulator retains its numbered settings.
Approx. Measurements – Overall length: 115 cm.
History Note:
Derived from the Czech ZB vz.26 design, the Bren became the standard British and Commonwealth light machine gun of the Second World War and earned an outstanding reputation for reliability, controllability, and accuracy under combat conditions. The Mk II variant was introduced as a wartime simplification of the earlier Mk I, eliminating a number of labour-intensive machining operations while maintaining the Bren’s highly effective operating characteristics.
*Condition*
This example displays an attractive untouched appearance, retaining good original finish across the body and barrel assembly together with well-aged timber furniture. The gun retains its magazine and folding bipod assembly. Condition is good overall with honest service wear, scattered handling marks, and light areas of age patination entirely consistent with wartime military service and long-term storage. The action cocks and dry-fires correctly under the current deactivation standard. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Note: This item is deactivated to the older French specification and is supplied with its original French deactivation certificate. Suitable for export to France. Please discuss with us if you would like the item upgraded to current UK deactivation specification.
