Schmeisser

[Nightcrawler]

Which weapon does the term "Schmeisser" refer to? In World War II, it was a generic term for just about any German submachine gun. Where'd it come from? The Bergmann MP-18 (and its descendents, the MP-28 and MP-34)?

Thanks.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

In my understanding the term Schmeisser during WWII was used for the MP38 and MP40, even though Schmeisser didn't actually design those weapons.

 

[BluesBear]

I agree with modifiedbrowning.

Back in the 60s all the WWII German submachineguns in the movies and TV shows were called Schmeissers. It was about 1968 that I finally learned the differences between the MP38 & MP40.

 

[Delmar]

I believe Schmeisser was an engineer for Bergmann and actually designed the MP18. The MP38 and MP40 were also buit by Bergmann for WWII.

 

[BigG]

I beleive it was the Bergman Muskete which had a wooden stock and used Luger snail drums that stuck out the side like the later Sten. That may be what you are calling an MP18?

 

[El Tejon]

I believe Night is referring to the MP-18 as the MP-18.

Schmeisser is a misnomer. They "Schmeisser" is actually a "Vollmer." Not sure how this misnomer got started. Maybe an "official" report or some intel squirrel or troops on the line? Don't know.

Sort of like how guys say "Class 3" when they mean "Title II". It drives me nuts, but I know what they mean because of the context.

 

[hops]

Search for 'Hugo Schmeisser". He designed the Bergman (MP) 18, 1 and the MP 28. His design team at Heanel designed the MKb.42(H) which became the MP43. Schmeisser did design the MP41 - basically a MP40 with Single/Full fire modes - the MP40 is full auto only. He brother was Louis Schmeisser.

 

[MrMurphy]

Yeah, the MP38/40 were built for Vollmer and Erma, but Schmeisser had some hand in the design. The name stuck. Even among the Germans. Something like in Europe before the '70s, a common term for an automatic pistol, regardless of maker was a "Browning" since he did in fact design and build (for FN) a major chunk of the pistols used in Europe between 1900 and 1950s.....The FN1900, 1903, 1910, 1922, Hi Power, etc. Everyone knows they were made by Fabrique Nationale, but they still called them Brownings.