Hugo Schmeisser

Hugo Schmeisser (born 24 September 1884; died 12 September 1953) was one of the most important developers of infantry weapons in the 20th Century. Almost all subsequent weapons depend heavily upon the inventions developed by him.

Approaching and During WWII

Manufacturing regulations in the Treaty of Versailles (June 28, 1919) forbade Germany from developing automatic weapons. This signalled the end of a 30 year cooperation between the Schmeissers and Bergmann as production was liscensed to foreign weapons manufacturers. Schmeisser decided to continue work in weapons development. Together with his brother Hans, he created the "Industriewerk Auhammer Koch und Co" (Industrial Auhammer Cook and Company) in Suhl. Being at the end of World War I, he saw little business, and encumbered by the Treaty of Versailles, the future of the company was unclear. Hugo defied the treaty, working to continue development of banned weapons. It was at this time that the company began cooperating with Haenel Co. in Suhl, beginning a 20 year partnership. For the safety of his patents, Hugo Schmeisser created a second company under the name of "Brothers Schmeisser" in the summer of 1922. This shrewd tactic was to prevent the loss of his patents if Auhammer went bankrupt. In order to prevent bankruptcy on both sides, Auhammer and Haenel merged, with Haenel taking full reponsibility and liability for Auhammer business affairs. Schmeisser's attorneys who settled the deal became active shareholders in the company. Before long, it was obvious that development of automatic weapons was unaffected by the Treaty of Versailles. In 1928 Schmeisser released the MP-28, which was used extensively by the German police. Bayard signed an agreement with Schmeisser to manufacture and sell weapons to South Africa, China, Spain, and Japan. It is notable that these same weapons were used by during the Spanish Civil War only 10 years later. Despite Schmeisser's success, the company often came within inches of bankruptcy.

Related Topics:
Treaty of Versailles - 1919 - Haenel - Patent - Bankrupt - Liability - Shareholder - MP-28

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As the Nazis rose to power during 1933, 10 weapons development enterprises in Suhl and Zella Mehlis merged under the name of "United Suhl-Zella Mehlis Armament Makers". This central administration was used to coordinate production with the army's needs. This allowed Schmeisser to make a very important business acquaintance, which later developed to a friendship, with the famous aviator Ernst Udet (1896 - 1941). Udet was a deputy of Goering under Germany's Luftwaffe (Air Force). Hugo Schmeisser had a direct role in military production decisions, often influencing the decisions of Hitler and Goering. After 1935 Haenel experienced an enormous upswing in weapon production. Against the desires of many engineers and technical designers, Brothers Schmeisser continued to enforce patent royalties and manage company funds.

Related Topics:
1933 - Zella Mehlis - Aviator - Ernst Udet - Goering

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Hugo Schmeisser was constantly revising his weapons, leading to the MP-34 and MP-36. The chief designer, Heinrich Vollmer, revised the basic construction of Schmeisser's MP-36 and developed from it the well-known German submachine guns of the Second World War, the MP-38 and the MP-40. 1.2 million pieces were manufactured for these weapons, and were among the first weapons to be manufactured with die cast parts, metal stamping, and a complete machine-assembly. This method revolutionized weapon production, allowing manufacture at an unprecedented speed. They became internationally known as "Schmeisser MP"s, due to both his role in the production as well as the conspicuous lateral magazine characteristic of his weapons.

Related Topics:
MP-34 - MP-36 - Heinrich Vollmer - MP-38 - MP-40

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Hugo Schmeisser's most important work had been underway since 1938. This new automatic weapon, with a short cartridge 7.92 mm., made the MP38 and MP40 pale in comparison. It's design allowed for smart usage of resources and high production. At first named the Mkb 42, it later received the designation of MP-43, and it became the first ever assault rifle. By 1943, 10000 pieces had already been manufactured for the front. For a short time, Hitler stopped production, as he was mysteriously opposed to the new weapon. In 1944, after troop testing verified the new weapon's legitimacy, Hitler authorized mass production of the MP-43 as well as further research into a new MP-44. In April 1944 the new weapon received the designation of "Sturmgewehr 44" (Storm Rifle 44). The Stg44 was arguably Schmeisser's most revolutionary work and possibly the most important weapon development of the century.

Related Topics:
MP-43 - Assault rifle - Stg44

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