Very Rare WWII German Captured Madsen Machine Gun Tripod Converted for the MG42

This is a very rare WWII converted Madsen machine gun tripod for the German MG42. After the successful invasion of Denmark in 1940 the German's made good use of the captured Danish weapons and equipment. By adding a simple upper frame or cradle to existing Madsen mount / sustainfire tripods an MG42 could be fitted. The standard MG42 Laffete was much heavier and far more complicated to produce, meaning this simple conversion made good sense as materials and parts became more scarce as the war deepened. The conversions would have almost certianly been implemented mid way to late war after the introduction of the MG42 in 1942. This would also explain the butt having to be removed or at least swiveled 90 degrees for the MG42 to mount correctly. The unusual modifications made to hugh quantities of forgien captured equipment that was then repurposed by German forces is still in many cases undocumented or little is known about. This being one of less common but equally interesting pieces. Non-standard equipment of this nature was often assigned to German paramilitary organisations such as the SS.

 

We have pictured this example fitted with a Yugo M53 which shares the same mounting points as the WWII MG42. The M53 is not included but is available separately. See product code 5387.