Die Maschinenpistole MP38, MP40, MP41

Die Maschinenpistole MP38, MP40, MP41

Die Maschinenpistole MP38, MP40, MP41

Maschinenpistole M.P.38

Design and Development


The MP38 was a groundbreaking weapon for its time, with a unique and almost sinister look that fitted well with the image of Nazi Germany. The design was stripped down to its essentials, focusing on purpose over aesthetics. This weapon symbolized the focus on efficiency and power, showing both technical advancements and a strong ideological message.

Credit:german-smallarms.com

The influence of the Bauhaus movement is clear in the MP38’s design, following the famous idea that “form follows function.” Every part of the MP38 had a clear purpose, with clean lines and a simple shape. The use of materials like aluminum and Bakelite made the weapon lighter and faster to produce, which was a big advantage.

This design matched the needs of the planned Blitzkrieg, the German tactic of fast, coordinated attacks. The MP38’s compact size and folding stock made it easy to carry and quick to handle—perfect for the fast-paced moves of airborne and mechanized units. This made the MP38 an ideal weapon for the close-quarters combat.

The ergonomic grip of the MP38, inspired by earlier German weapons like the Pistole 08 (Luger), made it comfortable and stable to hold. In total, the MP38 was more than just a weapon—it was a model of modern German design, combining form and function in a way that met the demands of war while reflecting the Bauhaus style of the time.

Credit:german-smallarms.com

The Patents


It's often claimed that Heinrich Vollmer was the designer of the MP38 and MP40, and that Hugo Schmeisser had nothing to do with the MP40 also known as “Schmeisser”. However, both claims are very misleading.


Although the EMP36, the prototype predecessor, retained many design elements from the earlier EMP, the MP38 was based on both the "Schmeisser System" and newly introduced features, such as the pistol grip and folding stock. These enhancements were developed in response to specifications set by the Amtsgruppe für Entwicklung und Prüfung (Office for Development and Testing).


For reasons that remain unclear, Schmeisser’s patented double-stack, single-feed magazine system as used in the MP28,II and MK36, III, was integrated into the MP38’s design. This may have been considered the best available option at the time, or Schmeisser might have successfully lobbied for its use with the Amtsgruppe für Entwicklung und Prüfung.


A review of patents related to key components of the MP38 reveals that Vollmer had very little to nothing to do with its development. The Amtsgruppe für Entwicklung und Prüfung directed the process, and Erma, the manufacturer, was required to implement the combat proven “System Schmeisser” in their design and combined it with the newly developed pistol grip and folding stock.

Patents Related to the MP38 (and MP40):


  • Design of submachine gun with blowback action - Patentschrift 599202, Germany, Hugo Schmeisser in Suhl, Thuringia. System Schmeisser - application 27.11.1931, publication 27.6.1934.

    Comment: this is the famous combat proven “System Schmeisser”. Developed by Hugo Schmeisser during the time he worked for Bergmann. This was an improvement of the earlier Snail drum magazine receiver of the MP18,I then used in the MP28,II the MP38, MP40 and MP41.


  • Double column/single feed magazine - Patent Schmeisser DRP 530197

    Comment: looking back at this patent, one might wonder why this feeding system was ever chosen, as it caused significant problems on the Eastern Front. But by 1936, experts agreed with Col. D. W. Eckhardt's view, published in Wehrtechnische Monatshefte, that the single-feed magazine design had key advantages. It supported cartridges from both sides, reducing stress on the feed lips, and ensured consistent loading angles. However, this design still posed issues in the M.P. 38.


  • Telescope spring as used in the MP38 and MP40, Patentschrift 514227, Hugo and Hans Schmeisser, Suhl. Application 3-8-1928, publication 20-6-1931.

    Comment: Schmeisser already implemented this telescope spring in the prototype MK36, III. Vollmer refined Schmeisser’s telescope spring patent by using usings a chord within the telescope in order to limit the expansion. However, this patent was not used in the MP38. It was Schmeisser’s patent.


  • Trigger mechanism housing for submachine guns - Schlosskasten für Maschinenpistolen, Patentschrift 750348, Germany, unknown dating, ERMA

    Comment: This trigger housing was entirely new and distinct from the one used in the EMP36. The patent cannot be attributed to any specific individual withing Erma


  • Folding Stock - Patent 21234, Finland, Ewald Pochert - application 24-2-1940, publication 7-5-1943

    Comment: At this time Ewald Pochert was employed by Erma.


  • The updated safety retracting handle - Patentschrift Nr. 227818 by Hugo Schmeisser (Swiss Patent) and 748441 Patentschrift (14-12-1942, Germany)

Introduction of the MP38


On the 7th of July 1938 the "Oberkommando des Heeres" (O.K.H.) announced in the "Heeresmitteilungen" on page nr. 13 that the trials with the MP38 had been finished and that it was officially introduced:


411. Maschinenpistole 38.

The trials with the Maschinenpistole 38 are completed.

It is hereby introduced.


  1. Designation: Maschinenpistole 38,
  2. Short designation: M. P. 38,
  3. Material classification: I,
  4. Equipment class: I,
  5. Request identifier: J 53 001.

The preliminary technical delivery conditions and acceptance gauge drawings are being compiled.

Manufacturing plans – device drawings 01 B 3226 with subordinate drawings and lists – and the production tool drawings are completed.

The equipping of units with the M. P. 38 will be arranged later.


O.K.H., 29.6.1938

-72 a/h 14 – In 2 (IIIb)

MP38 Production


The MP38 has been produced by two main manufacturers. These were:


  • Erma, Erfurter Maschinenfabrik, B. Geipel, G.m.b.H., Waffenfabrik, Erfurt, Zietenstr. 54, (Production Code: 27 or ayf)

  • Haenel, C.G., Waffen und Fahrrad-Fabrik, Suhl, (Production Code: 122, NB; fxo was not used on the MP38)

Erma produced the MP38 during four years. They started production in early 1938 and continued production until 1941.

Production codes used were:

ayf

ayf 41

27 1938

27 1939

27 1940

ayf 40

Haenel joined Erma in the production of the MP38. They only produced the MP38 in 1940.


Production code used:

122 1940

Production


A considerable amount has been written about the production numbers of the MP38 (and MP40). Various sources have been used to estimate these figures, but I aim to stick as closely as possible to the evidence directly tied to original order information and serial numbers. Since 2007, I have gathered a substantial collection of serial numbers for the MP38, MP40, and MP41. Many private collectors, online shops, auction houses, sport-shooters and museums have passed me this data. Based on this, I intend to make an educated guess regarding the production numbers at Erma and Haenel.


While I recognize that using serial numbers has inherent limitations—such as the possibility that entire blocks of numbers were skipped—this approach remains one of the few available methods to make informed estimates.

The highest registered MP38 serial number from 1938

An intriguing letter from Amtsgruppe für Industrielle Rüstung (Waffen und Gerät), 2- Waffen “Wa I Rü (WuG) 2” to the AHA (Allgemeine Heeresamt) offers valuable insight into the MP38’s order information and production, providing specific details about manufacturing activities in 1938 till 1940. This primary source is critical, as it gives us a rare, direct window into Erma's operations and which problems it was facing. I will analyse the contents of this letter in the following section, alongside the serial number data, to offer a clearer picture of MP38 production at the time.


Furthermore, I have taken into account reports from the Heeres Waffen Amt (HWaA), specifically the “Wa I Rü (WuG) 2” Amtsgruppe für Industrielle Rüstung (Waffen und Gerät), 2- Waffen - with regard to the production and acceptance of weapons of all kinds.


Below you find the translation of the letter mentioned before:

To: A.H.A.                                                                                     Berlin, November 2, 1939

Subject: M.P. 38 Delivery Delays

Reference: Order Placement AHA/Fz from 31.10.38, No. 1003/38 secret.

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                          6 copies to:


1st Draft / AHA/Fz Jn
Wa A
Wa J Rü 1
Wa J Rü 2
Wa J Rü 2 V
Draft


To: A.H.A.


Delivery Delays:

a) Ordered Quantity: 40,000 units.

b) Scheduled Delivery Date: 31.3.40.

c) Expected Delivery Delay: 5 months.

aa) Up to now, 1,660 units have been manufactured.

bb) By the scheduled delivery date, approximately another 14,000 units will likely be produced.

cc) The delivery of the remaining approximately 24,000 units will take place in the following stages and is expected to be completed by the end of August 1940.

Reasons:

  1. A delay of approximately 3/4 of a year in the completion of the test series of 2,000 units.
    Changes to the design.
  2. Supply difficulties.
  3. Delayed delivery of machines and operating materials; shortage of labour.

Signed: Becker

Below I have made a summary of all the dates and events relating to the introduction, production and distribution of the MP38 that are mentioned in official reporting and announcements.



Some conclusions we can draw from the official information stated above are:


  1. The initial test series consisted of 2,000 items corresponding to the serial numbers of the “27 1938” code. It is unclear when exactly production of these 2,000 pieces began and ended, as there was a three-quarter year delay caused by the late delivery of machinery and operating materials, as well as a shortage of labor.
  2. In total, only four orders were placed for the MP38:
      1. 2,000 MP38s at Erma for the initial test phase
      2. 40,000 MP38s at Erma as the main order
      3. 576 MP38s at Erma as a repeat order (reason for this remains unclear)
      4. 12,000 MP38s at Haenel (this figure is an assumption based on serial numbers)
  3. In 1939, Erma faced significant challenges due to design changes, procurement of raw materials, and workforce availability. The relevant correspondence was signed by General der Artillerie Karl Becker, the Leader of the Waffenamt.
  4. By September 1939, the MP38 was finally ready for distribution, with parts available (some shipments were even lost). The test batch of 2,000 MP38s (27 1938) was already in use at that time. 
  5. In conclusion, a total of 54,576 MP38s were produced. The order information aligns with the serial number count of +/- 52,200. It is important to note that there is no official documentation regarding the order information for Haenel. 

Credit:german-smallarms.com

Sub-Assemblers


Both Erma and Haenel relied on sub-assemblers during the production of the MP38. The main components, such as steel casting, drilling, milling, and turning, were handled by Erma and Haenel themselves. There was minimal sheet metal stamping and punching work on the MP38, limited to parts like the front sight protector, certain sections of the folding stock, and the trigger group. At this early stage, Erma and Haenel manufactured these parts in-house. However, the aluminum and Bakelite components were produced by sub-assemblers. Below is a list of these parts and their manufacturers:

1) Aluminum pistol grip: Fichtel & Sachs (commercial logo F&S)

2) Aluminum barrel protector: Nürnberger Aluminiumwerke

Nüral. (Commercial logo Nüral)

3) Bakelite foregrip: Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft A.E.G. (38)

4) Bakelite hand plates: Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft A.E.G. (38)

I can imagine that some of the smaller parts, such as screws, pins, and rings, were also produced by sub-assemblers, but no records of this are available.

Conclusion


The production of the MP38 faced significant challenges due to labor shortages, supply chain issues, and frequent delays in the delivery of essential machinery. These difficulties made it hard to keep up with demand, and even after Haenel joined Erma in manufacturing, the *Amtsgruppe für Industrielle Rüstung-Waffen- und Gerät* realized that production targets would still not be met under the current approach.

The MP38 also required extensive skilled machine work, and its use of aluminum—both limited resources in wartime—became a further constraint. These challenges highlighted the need for a more practical and streamlined design that would be easier and faster to produce. This led to the development of the MP40, which was essentially a wartime version of the MP38. The MP40 made use of stamped sheet metal parts instead of milled components, significantly reducing the need for specialized labor and scarce materials. By maximizing the use of simpler materials and production methods, the MP40 could be manufactured at a scale that met the demands of the rapidly expanding German military.

MP40

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