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Title:	RIFLE, ASSAULT -  GERMAN ASSAULT RIFLE GERAT 06H 7.92MM SN# 2
Maker/Manufacturer:	MAUSER CO.
Date of Manufacture:	1945
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 1592
Measurements:	OL: 92CM 36 1/4" BL: 40.6CM 16" 8.18 lbs.

Object Description:

GERMAN ASSAULT RIFLE GERAT 06H 7.92MM SN# 2
Manufactured by Mauser, Oberndorf, Germany - Prototype Mauser Gerat 06H assault rifle, produced as an attempt to simplify production of the Sturmgewehr. Project never got beyond the prototype stage. Retarded blowback, utilizing the double roller locking arrangements of the earlier types, but eliminating the short stroke gas bolt carrier is used instead of assembling the bolt handle directly to the bolt body. Select-fire. Rate of fire 350-450 rpm. Effective range 600 yards. Complete with MP44 magazine. The standard 30-round MP43 series box type magazine was used as well as experimental 10-round magazine which was reduced from the 30-round is also used. AKA: Mauser Special Rifle Experimental Type 06H. Mauser Assault Rifle S45 (M) (Stg 45M). Sturmgeweher = Assault Trooper Rifle.

Markings:
Magazine housing: 2.

Weapon listed as overage found on post in Museum area and accessioned into Army collection. Weapon transferred to the Museum 27 April 1960.

Notes: "Origin: An evolved design simplification of the earlier combination gas and roller system special rifle designs (06 No. 2 and 06). The weapon, designed by Altenberger, Jungermann, and Illenberger of the Mauser Abt. 37 in the late summer 1944, had been preanalyzed by Maier over an 8-month period.
USE & DISTRIBUTION: Reported to have been intended to replace the MP44 (Stg44) or MP43 series. This weapon was never put into production. Approximately 30 sets of components were produced using special wood die setups. Only one is known to have been assembled. The weapon is described as having been rejected by Wa Pruf2, by a second source....
SPECIAL FEATURES: As an experiment Herr Kunert of Abt. 37, attempted to use barrels in the 7.9-mm caliber with fluted chambers (18 flutes). The operating, feeding, and firing system was the same as standard. The intention was to improve extraction. The experiment was considered unsatisfactory and was abandoned. A small quantity of barrels chambered for the 7-mm DWM experimental MKb cartridge were prepared. The barrels were directly interchangeable with the 7.9-mm barrels. Barrel was assembled with press fit to a locking shoulder and was easily removable. Reported as equipped with a telescopic sight (mounting bracket to receiver). Extensive use is made of stamped and formed parts, extra plain stock and fittings." - U.S. Army Ordnance School

"As the conflict in Europe grew ever larger, it became obvious to the Germans new and different weapons would be required. These new weapons much not only be better than existing weapons, they must also be significantly easier to manufacture, and they must fire the the new 'Kurz Patrone.' Thus were born the entire family of German Sturmgewehr (assault rifle).
Although a number of different weapons were developed, manufactured and used in combat (particularly on the Russian front), the StG45 was designed to replace them. The sheetmetal construction of the StG3 was adopted but the turning bolt locking system was replaced with a delayed blowback system. Rollers retarded the opening of the bolt to produce what the Germans referred to as 'halbverriegelt', or half-locking. This significantly reduced the number of parts required and the amount of machining required to reduce a rifle. In addition, a modular trigger group was designed. A standard Sturmgewehr magazine was to be utilized.
The man responsible for the original concept was Dr. Karl Maier, a Mauser mathematical physicist. After the war Dr. Maier was captured by the Americans and eventually came to the United States as part of 'Project Paperclip,' a program designed to keep German scientists out of the hands of the Russians. In fact, Dr. Maier spent many years working at the Springfield Armory before becoming an independent firearms consultant. Today, Dr. Maier is enjoying a quiet retirement in his native Germany.
A pre-production order for 30 weapons for final trials was issued but the weapons were not completed before the war ended. All existing weapons were assembled by the various Al
See, Stevens, pg. 61 ff.
See, Musgrave & Nelson, The World's Assault Rifles, pg. 60.

References:
Musgrave, Daniel D. & Thomas B. Nelson. THE WORLD'S ASSAULT RIFLES & AUTOMATIC CARBINES. Vol. II. T.B.N. Enterprises. Alexandria, Va. 1967.
Senich, Peter R. THE GERMAN ASSAULT RIFLE, 1935-1945. Paladin Press. Boulder, CO. 1994.
Stevens, Blake. FULL CIRCLE: A TREATISE ON ROLLING LOCKING. Collector Grade Publications Incorporated. Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. 2006.
U.S. Army Ordnance School. SUBMACHINE GUNS, VOLUME I. Aberdeen Proving Ground. Aberdeen, Maryland. July 1958.

See catalog folder.