FG-42

This weapon was commissioned by Hermann Göring, Reichsmarshal of the Greater German Reich. The designer of the rifle, Louis Stange, was an engineer at Rheinmetall-Borsig A.G. Two models were produced. The miniature replicates model #2, which was manufactured by the Krieghoff company in Zuhl. In addition to Rheinmetall-Borsig A.G. and Krieghoff, FG42 rifles were also made by the L.O. Dietrich company in Altenburg. On September 12, 1943, the FG42 made its debut in a German commando raid that resulted in the release of deposed dictator Benito Mussolini from a hotel in the mountains of Italy where he had been held captive. In 1944, the 600th SS Parachute Battalion used assault rifles during the Battle of Monte Cassino, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War II. These weapons were also employed throughout the Ardennes Offensive and the Battle of Berlin. According to various estimates, between 4000 and 7000 rifles of the kind were produced all in all.