Book Review: The Schmeisser Myth by Martin Helebrant

Published on February 17, 2017
Duration: 9:41

This video is a book review of 'The Schmeisser Myth' by Martin Helebrant, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The book delves into the history of German submachine guns from WWI through WWII, clarifying the development and misattributions surrounding iconic models like the MP40 and its predecessors. It highlights the complexities of German arms development, especially in the interwar period, and provides detailed technical information valuable for collectors and historians.

Quick Summary

'The Schmeisser Myth' by Martin Helebrant is a detailed historical account of German submachine guns from WWI through WWII. Presented by Forgotten Weapons, the book clarifies that Hugo Schmeisser did not design the MP40, which was an ERMA development, while Schmeisser designed the MP41. It covers early SMG development, the MP38/MP40 lineage, and common historical misattributions, making it invaluable for collectors and historians.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Book Review: The Schmeisser Myth by Martin Helebrant
  2. 00:05Introduction & Book Overview
  3. 00:30Publisher Quality and Bias
  4. 00:51Book's Scope: More Than MP40
  5. 01:38Covering Early SMG Development
  6. 02:26MP18, MP28, EMP, and Other SMGs
  7. 03:20German Military Obfuscation & Treaty of Versailles
  8. 03:57MP38/MP40 Development & Differences
  9. 04:20The Schmeisser Myth Explained
  10. 05:12Historical Misattributions
  11. 06:00Technical & Collector Details: Magazines
  12. 07:28Other Ancillary Details & Post-War Use
  13. 07:59Overall Impression & Value
  14. 08:34Where to Buy the Book

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'The Schmeisser Myth' book about?

'The Schmeisser Myth' by Martin Helebrant is a comprehensive book detailing the history of German submachine guns from World War I through World War II. It clarifies the development of iconic firearms like the MP40 and corrects common historical misattributions regarding their designers.

Who designed the MP40 submachine gun?

Contrary to the 'Schmeisser Myth,' Hugo Schmeisser did not design the MP40. The MP40 was a collaborative effort by technicians at Erfurter Maschinenfabrik (ERMA) and German trials officers. Hugo Schmeisser did, however, design the MP41.

Why is the book 'The Schmeisser Myth' important for firearm collectors?

The book is crucial for collectors as it provides detailed technical information, historical context, and clarifies the development of numerous German submachine guns, including variants, markings, and production details often overlooked or misattributed in other sources.

Where can I buy 'The Schmeisser Myth' by Martin Helebrant?

'The Schmeisser Myth' by Martin Helebrant is available for purchase directly from Collector Grade Publications. It is recommended to buy it quickly as their publications often sell out and become scarce.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →