*British, WW2, Sten Mk II Submachine Gun, Fazakerley FF62942, 9mm, with Original Sling marked MECO 1943, Deactivated, VGC*
An excellent original World War Two British Sten Mk II submachine gun, correctly deactivated and accompanied by its original Birmingham Proof House deactivation certificate dated 04/03/2014. This example is a particularly attractive and honest piece, retaining a strong wartime finish and a highly desirable combination of factory and subcontractor markings typical of British “dispersal” production.
The weapon is chambered in 9×19mm, fitted with the correct 20 cm barrel, and features the classic side-mounted 32-round magazine housing, tubular receiver, removable barrel assembly, and skeleton shoulder stock. It is complete with a correct khaki web sling, clearly stamped MECO 1943, and a wartime British magazine, making this a well-rounded and highly displayable example.
The serial number FF62942, stamped beneath the magazine housing, is fully consistent with Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Fazakerley near Liverpool manufacture. Fazakerley was one of the principal British wartime arms factories and produced large numbers of Sten guns alongside its better-known output of Lee-Enfield rifles. Known Sten serial prefixes by factory include: B / BO – Birmingham Small Arms Co. (BSA). E / R – Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. F / FY / FF / FN – Royal Ordnance Factory, Fazakerley. L / LB – Long Branch, Ontario, Canada. RTL – Royal Ordnance Factory, Theale. The FF prefix is correct and desirable, firmly placing this example within British wartime production.
Markings & Components:
As expected of a genuine service Sten Mk II, this example shows a correct mix of wartime contractor and inspection marks:
Serial number: FF62942 (under magazine housing)
Magazine housing: B&T (Broadhurst & Thompson - wartime subcontractor code)
Trigger housing / barrel area: S106 (Spear & Sons - wartime subcontractor code)
Magazine body: MB12 / N94
Magazine base: CE with Broad Arrow (RSAF Enfield acceptance)
Top of magazine: British Broad Arrow
Rear receiver / butt interface: Crown over D / 15 inspection mark
Skeleton shoulder stock: stamped 87745
Sling: khaki web, stamped MECO 1943 (Mills Equipment Company)
Historical Note:
Designed in 1941 at Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, by Major Reginald V. Shepherd and Harold J. Turpin, the Sten was Britain’s emergency response to the urgent wartime need for a cheap, simple submachine gun. Its name derives from Shepherd, Turpin, and ENfield. The Mk II was the most widely produced variant, with over 2.6 million manufactured. Its removable barrel, rotating magazine housing, and detachable stock made it ideal for airborne forces and clandestine use. As a result, it saw extensive service with the British Army, Home Guard, Commonwealth forces, SOE, and resistance groups across occupied Europe.
The MECO 1943 sling supplied with this example is a correct wartime issue produced by the Mills Equipment Company, Britain’s primary manufacturer of webbing and canvas equipment during both World Wars.
*Condition*
The metalwork retains a strong, even grey-blue finish with light operational wear and handling marks consistent with wartime manufacture and service use. Stampings and serials remain clear and legible throughout. Welds are sound, with no distortion or structural damage. The skeleton stock shows honest wear but remains solid. The magazine displays correct wear with crisp markings. The sling shows age toning and light fraying, with the MECO 1943 stamp remaining clear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report. Deactivated to current UK specification and supplied with its original Birmingham Proof House certificate, confirming lawful deactivation. No firearms licence is required to own this item in the UK.
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