Hugo Schmeisser's Bergmann Sub-machine Guns: M.P.18,I to M.P.18,IV & the SIG Bergmann M.P.

Abstract

In this article, the author examines previous attempts at explaining the unusual nomenclature of the famous German Bergmann M.P.18,I sub-machine gun and its variants, designed by Hugo Schmeisser during and shortly after the First World War. Based on a re-examination of the single known example of the M.P.18,III, the author offers his own theories as to the origin of the nomenclature, suggesting that the model name originates with the designer and/or manufacturer, rather than the military. The various estimates of the exact production numbers of these weapons are also considered, and these are compared with the author’s own serial number database. The available serial numbers suggest that, not only were more guns produced than commonly thought, there were possibly additional examples manufactured for end users other than the German military.