Hi John,
Yes, I'm afraid that it's too late the MP40 is gone. It was a beauty - almost mint. The deactivation was what we call old specification - pre 1995, which meant that it could still be cocked, dry fired and field stripped. Nowadays, they weld them up so they don't **** etc. any more. The value of one like mine is around $3,200 - a welded one about $1200.
I've also sold my MP44 and a bunch of my other dewat pistols, P38, PPK, German Marked Hi-Power etc., to fund my new Luger obsession.
This is, of course, all your fault as Forum Administrator. I had a vague interest in Lugers before I joined the Luger Forum but now I've decided to specialise. My only other remaining firearm collection interest is German vest pocket pistols - cute little things.
I don't have the Lugers yet but I'll post them when I do. They are, BYF 41 "Black Widow", S/42, Simson, Mauser Banner Police, BYF 42.
Here's some pictures of the MP40 - a bit off topic but since you asked:
Cheers,
John
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40LeftSide.JPG
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40RightSide.JPG
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40Front.JPG
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40Back.JPG
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40Marking.JPG