Beschreibung:

One of the earliest Czech semi-automatic rifle designs, the ZH-29 was introduced in 1929 with hopes of securing foreign military contracts. Offered in a variety of calibers, many countries tested and/or fielded the ZH-29 in limited numbers, with the Chinese purchasing a combination of ZH-29 and ZH-32 rifles in very small numbers and with many examples being later captured by the occupying Japanese forces. The ZH-29 rifles are comprised of finely milled steel and exhibit a very distinct aluminum forend "block" with cooling fins as well as a unique offset bolt design that locks the bolt to the left side of the receiver, causing the breech and iron sights to be slightly offset to compensate. This example is stamped "CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA,/ AKCIOVA SPOLECNOST/ BRNO." on the left side of the receiver, with the serial number "10106" above "AUTOMATICKA PUSKA/ Z.H.2.9." and a small Czechoslovakian Eagle crest at the rear on the top of the receiver. Metal components are finely machined and exhibit a deep plum-toned finish overall. Wood furniture is comprised of a smooth pistol grip buttstock fitted with a stamped ribbed buttplate as well as a ventilated 2-piece forearm terminating in an aluminum handguard with cooling fins. Matching numbers are visible on the exterior of the upper receiver, interior of the lower receiver, bolt carrier, bolt, as well as on the bayonet lug. Accompanying this already extremely scarce and desirable rifle is a letter from the consignor stating that this rifle was given to them by their father-in-law Carlos Flores, who served as an anti-aircraft gunner on a Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun during World War II, and in the later part of the war served as an electrician with the U.S. Army. Carlos recalled that in 1945, he was part of the first wave of occupying troops in Japan. His unit was tasked with securing an arsenal in Tokyo, which he believed may have been the Kokura Arsenal. After entering the arsenal, Carlos and his unit found a "museum" that housed a large collection of various weapons and artifacts, of which many were of foreign manufacture. Carlos stated that the officers immediately began selecting items for their kitbags as "trophies", at which point Carlos grabbed this ZH-29 rifle, a Nambu pistol, a Type 38 Carbine, as well as a 14 bore "walking stick" shotgun. Concerned with the "legality" of securing these items, Carlos buried them in a canvas covering and later shipped them back to his home in Los Angeles, California. Included with this letter from the consignor is a photo of Carlos Flores with his "AA" patch clearly visible. CONDITION: Very good, with metal components retaining the vast majority of their original factory plum-colored finish, exhibiting some areas of light edge wear overall that lightly shows through to grey patina. Bolt and other in-the-white components show appropriate amounts of age-related discoloration. Aluminum handguard shows some light discoloration and some minor superficial handling marks but is otherwise fine. Bore is very bright, exhibiting some light oxidation, but otherwise retaining well defined lands and grooves throughout. Wood furniture exhibits some scattered marks and impressions from storage and handling but otherwise is very good. Buttplate shows a couple spots of cleaned oxidation as well as age-related discoloration overall. An already fine example of an extremely scarce and desirable Czech rifle that, paired with its provenance, makes for a potentially unique example of a ZH-29 rifle. MLW Name Value Accessories Barrel Length 21 - 1/2" Caliber/Bore 8mm Mauser Drop at Comb Drop at Heel FFL Status Curio & Relic Length of Pull Manufacturer Zbrojovka Brno Model ZH-29 Paperwork Consignor Letter & G.I. Photo Serial Number 10106