Original Cold War Polish SGMT Tanker Bow Mounted Display Machine Gun with Solenoid – dated 1963 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely Polish Cold War Era (dated 1963) SGMT Tankovy (Tank) display machine gun, still with the original firing solenoid present on the rear. These were mounted in a coaxial style on the bow of Soviet T-54 and T-55 tanks, which were exported all over the world, especially to members of the Warsaw Pact. This example was used in Poland, though we are not able to tell whether it was Polish manufacture, or somewhere in the Soviet Union. As Poland did manufacture variants of the SG-43/SGM under license, we assume it was made in Poland.

The display machine gunwas built from all original issue parts on an original BATF compliant non-firing display receiver, making this a 100% legal display machine gun. This receiver was created by using portions of the original torch cut receiver, including the barrel bushing, combined with some new made steel portions. It has properly had a 25% section of the total length completely replaced entirely with solid steel bar stock. Meaning a 1/4 length section of the display receiver is solid steel, making this totally legal to own without a license of any kind. Every part on this display gun is original manufacture other than 25% of the receiver replaced by solid steel (as required by BATF).

This wonderful display machine gun came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser’s donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this example was acquired.

It has no moving internal parts, and the bolt has been welded in place in the forward position inside the receiver. The top cover and feed tray still both open and lock into place, and the carry handle is still movable. Otherwise is is completely inert, and intended for display only. We have no way of telling whether the solenoid is still functional.

The gun has a variety of markings on it, including a faint serial number on the top cover over a 1963 date, as well as YS-0315 on the top of the gas regulator on the barrel. A more detailed analysis of the markings may be able to tell where it was manufactured, however at this time we are not able to determine that. Overall condition is very good, and this would make a fantastic display piece, a great addition to any Cold War or Tanker collection.

A very attractive Cold War Era Eastern European Tanker Machine gun, ready to display!

The SG-43 Goryunov (Russian: Станковый пулемёт системы Горюнова, Stankovyy pulyemyot sistyemy Goryunova, meaning “Mounted machinegun, Goryunov design”) was a Soviet medium machine gun that was introduced during the Second World War. It was chambered for the 7.62×54mmR cartridge, and was introduced in 1943 as a replacement for the older M1910 Maxim machine guns. It was mounted on wheeled mounts, tripods and armored vehicles.

After the end of World War II, the SG-43 was improved and renamed SGM (“M” for modernized); dust covers and a new barrel lock were fitted, and a splined barrel was fitted to improve cooling. A coaxially-mounted stockless electric solenoid-fired variant was developed under the designation SGMT (the “T” standing for Tankovy, or “Tank”). The SG-43M and SGMB are versions modified with dust covers and used mostly on armored personnel carriers.

The SG-43/SGM was widely exported and also licensed for construction in several countries. It was manufactured in the People’s Republic of China as the Type 53 (SG-43) and Type 57 (SGM) heavy machine guns. It was also produced in Czechoslovakia (as Vz 43) and Poland (as Wz 43).