Original German WWII MG34/42 50-Round Patronentrommel 34 (Snail Drum) hqu 43 With Factory PaintOriginal German WWII 50-round Patronentrommel 34 (“Gurttrommel”) for use with the MG34 and later MG42 machine gun. These drums were designed to hold a 50-round linked belt segment, allowing for improved portability and faster deployment in combat.
This example retains its original wartime factory-applied panzer gray finish with honest service wear, scattered paint loss, and age-related patina throughout. The ribbed body remains structurally solid, and the carry handle is intact and functional.
The lid is stamped “hqu 43,” identifying production by Metallwarenfabrik Treuenbrietzen GmbH, Treuenbrietzen, and dating the drum to 1943 wartime manufacture. The interior still shows the original stenciled directional arrow indicating the correct feed direction for the 50 linked rounds — a desirable detail often lost on heavily used examples.
Condition Notes:
- The side closure latch is missing.
- The metal retaining portion that holds the latch hinge has broken off.
- Hinged lid opens and closes.
- No postwar repaint — original factory finish throughout.
Despite the noted damage, this remains a fully authentic wartime example with strong visual appeal and honest field wear. Correctly marked and dated MG34/42 drums are becoming increasingly difficult to locate, particularly examples retaining original paint and interior markings.
A solid display piece or restoration candidate for the serious MG34/MG42 collector.
