| Place | Oceania: Australia, Victoria, Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/02354 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Maker |
Diecasters Ltd, Melbourne |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Austen Mk 1 Submachine Gun
Description
Austen Mk 1 Sub-machine Gun. Pressed steel construction with a short drilled barrel jacket and a folding butt. Two pistol grips with black plastic horizontal ribbed side plates. Fore grips missing. Marked on the die cast magazine port - DC within a circle and "AUSTEN" MK 1. Front blade and single rear aperture sights. Overall blued steel. Missing the trigger fore end box.
History / Summary
The Austen submachine gun is the result of re-designing the British Sten gun to increase the quality control. The receiver, barrel and trigger mechanism were those of the Sten, but the mainspring, bolt, folding butt and fore grip were inspired by the German MP40. The Mk 1 Austen went into production in 1942 and about 20,000 were produced before production ended in March 1945. This weapon has been made up from spare parts and does not have an original serial number stamped on the magazine port. The serial number on this weapon was issued by the ACT Police.