Romanian MG-15, Mysterious MG

[Paul Mardian]

Greetings to all, Can anyone confirm that this watercooled MG-15 model ST61/56 was used in WWII by the Romanian Army? I have one of these that has been deactivated into a "dummy gun", i.e. it cannot be fired. These were imported into the U.S. a few years ago after having been purchased from a source in Romania. I.M.A. (International Military Antiques) says that these watercooled MG's were used on the Eastern Front in WWII by the Wehrmacht. However, the fact that the MG's were imported from Romania and were in transit chests with Romanian parts lists, suggests the guns were used by the Romanian Army.... Does anyone know anything about this unique weapon?

Many thanks


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[Victor]

See this older topic: http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?showtopic=515

[dragos]

It is certain that they were used by Romanian Army, having as evidence the page of the Romanian military manual posted in the thread indicated by Victor. However, details regarding their use, such as the period or numbers are lacking.

[Cristian]

I'm glad to see that private collectors like Paul can own such rare items (even deactivated! ). But how many of these MGs you sow in romanian museums?In Romania is acting a law (Legea patrimoniului) who ban the export of items older then 1945 if them have historical or artistical interest.I can bet the institution who made the export have no license from the Culture Ministery.But, in our close history we've cut,melted and now...sold all the material evidences of our military history.We are lucky that folks like Paul preserve evidences of OUR history!