A Kreighoff Waffenfrabrik FG42 German paratrooper's machine gun is expected to see top bids in Cowan's Auctions' October 22-23 Historic Firearms and Early Militaria Auction in Ohio.

Armed with the deadly FG42, German paratroopers became known as the Green Devils to Allied soldiers

The FG42 was one of the most advanced weapons used in the second world war, produced specifically for the Fallschirmjäger airbourne infantry in 1942 in very limited numbers. This rarity accounts for its estimated sale price of $75,000-100,000.

Just 2,000 FG42s were issued to troops in the war, before the manganese steel that they were made from was diverted for use elsewhere. It combined many of the traits of a light machine gun, and strongly influenced post-war small arms development, ultimately resulting in the modern assault rifle.

The example at auction is complete with its original bipod, magazine, sling, scope and mount, and is in fantastic condition.

Also starring is the Knight Armament Company Stoner 63A machine gun, which was a popular weapon among US Navy SEALs and Marines during the Vietnam war. It is expected to bring between $40,000 and $60,000.

Kentucky rifles are a distinctly American gun, developed in the early 1700s and still in use today

Among the antique weaponry on offer is a raised carved Kentucky rifle by J Metzger, which is expected to make up to $75,000. A stunning gun, it is marked with its maker's name on the top of the barrel, with raised carving on both sides of the rare ferule. A nice carved moulding around the sideplate finishes with a silver teardrop in the rear.

Its maker, Jacob Metzger, is listed in Lancaster, Kentucky from 1758-1777, then in Frederick, Maryland from 1777-1802.

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