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ULTRA RARE CZECHOSLOVAKIAN ZH-32 SEMI AUTO

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:8,500.00 USD Estimated At:17,000.00 - 22,000.00 USD
ULTRA RARE CZECHOSLOVAKIAN ZH-32 SEMI AUTO
MILITARY RIFLE. Cal. 8x57 Mauser. S# 10799. Bbl. 23 1/4". Reportedly General Chang Tso-lin's Chinese army received 150 ZH 29s and 100 ZH 32s. Arms procurement in China in this era was erratic due to various generals purchasing their own arms on the world market. Characters in white on right side of buttstock translate to "Tchi - Ai - Ke - Ko -- Small - Arm" or simply "Czech Rifle". The serial range on the ZH 32 is unknown but most likely no more than 200 were made. The serial range may be 10600-10800. A ZH 36 produced in 1936 is serial number 10808. There were probably 200 ZH36's made and the Z37s appear to start at number 11000 as known serial numbers are 11011, and 11012. After the ZH 29, all improvements are very rare. To the best of our knowledge this example of a ZH32 is the only known example in the U.S. Receiver marked on left side "CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA, AKCIOVA SPOLECNOST BRNO". Receiver marked on top rear "ZH 32" and tiny Czech rampant lion. Serial number matches on receiver and bayonet lug. Replacement tangent rear sight graduated to 1400m. Inverted "V" front sight with protective hood. This rifle was an improved version of the ZH 29, with upgrades including cleaning rod, which is present, and provision for side as well as bottom swivels. Matching walnut stock and handguards. Buttstock has grooved sheet metal buttplate. MAGS: 2-20 rd. blued steel detachable box mags. One is marked on bottom of rear rib with "E", illegible circular marking followed by "E3", rampant lion, and "39". One is marked on rear rib w/ faint "917" in electro pencil. CONDITION: very good, original finish stock set shows wear with scattered dents and light scratches. Metal 60% of original plum hue finish with balance turning gray with light wear and scattered peppery oxidation. Bright bolt has mild staining and light oxidation. Cooling jacket has pleasing darkening gray appearance. Barrel nuts have spots of paint on left side, likely for alignment purposes. Bore has lightly worn lands, turning dark in grooves with frosted appearance. Magazine has 75% original blue with light wear at contact points and small scratches with spots of missing finish. (21-996/RW). CURIO. $17,000-22,000.