The Sten Mk III, often simply referred to as the Sten gun, was a British submachine gun used during World War II and the post-war period. Here are some key details about the Sten Mk III:**1. Development:** - The Sten gun was developed during World War II as a cost-effective and quickly producible submachine gun for the British military. - The "Sten" name was derived from the initials of its designers, Major Reginald V. Shepherd and Harold Turpin, and the "EN" from the Enfield factory where it was designed.**2. Design and Features:** - The Sten Mk III had a simple and straightforward design, consisting of a tubular steel receiver, a wooden or Bakelite stock, and minimal controls. - It was chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge, which was readily available and allowed for standardized ammunition use. - The Sten Mk III had a simple blowback operation and a cyclic rate of around 500 rounds per minute.**3. Magazine:** - The Sten used a detachable box magazine, typically holding 32 rounds of 9mm ammunition. - It featured a distinctive side-mounted magazine housing.**4. Variants:** - The Sten gun went through several modifications and variants during its production, including the Mk I, Mk II, Mk III, and Mk V, with each iteration addressing various issues and making improvements.**5. Manufacturing Simplicity:** - One of the primary goals of the Sten's design was to simplify production. It could be manufactured with basic metalworking equipment and minimal skilled labor. - As a result, Sten guns were relatively inexpensive to produce in large quantities.**6. Service History:** - The Sten gun became the standard issue submachine gun for British and Commonwealth forces during World War II. - It saw widespread use in various theaters of war, including North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.**7. Legacy:** - The Sten gun's design was considered crude but effective. It was known for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. - After World War II, the Sten gun remained in service with various countries and conflicts for several decades.**8. Replicas and Surplus:** - Today, Sten guns have become collector's items, and some replicas and surplus models are available to firearms enthusiasts.Despite its simplicity and sometimes rudimentary construction, the Sten gun served a crucial role in the British and Commonwealth forces during World War II. Its design allowed for mass production at a time when rapid armament was needed, and it became an iconic symbol of the era.
Wood.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.