Chinese “Chiang Kai-shek” Mauser

Description

Identification & Provenance
-Model: Chinese Type 24 “Chiang Kai-shek” Rifle (also known as the Zhongzheng rifle), chambered in 8x57mm IS (8mm Mauser). It is the Chinese manufactured variant modeled after the German Standard model.

Arsenal & Markings:
-Receiver Ring Crest: The top crest features the Chinese Ordnance Department symbol (the “bow and arrow within a gear”), paired with the model designation characters underneath (“中正式” / Chiang Kai-shek rifle).
-Buddhist Swastika (Manji): Visible near the serial number block on the receiver/barrel shank, which indicates it was produced or inspected under specific arsenal batches (commonly associated with the 21st Arsenal / Jinling Arsenal lineage or standard wartime acceptance stamps representing prosperity/good fortune).

-Serial Number: Crisp alphanumeric serial prefix stamping (⁠AD 952 6⁠).

-Stock Cartouche/Militia Stamp: The buttstock features a stamped property/inventory mark (frequently seen on rifles that were later transferred or issued to post-war Chinese People’s Liberation Army militia units or regional commands in the 1950s/1960s).

Condition Assessment:

-Metal Finish & Receiver: The metal retains a dark, military parkerized or blued service finish with appropriate handling wear, minor freckling, and honest age patina consistent with WWII and post-war Asian theater service.

-Wood & Stock: The solid wood stock shows field dings, scratches, and characteristic bumps from active military use, but displays a nice grain and retains its heavy brass or metal buttplate and original stock roundel/cartouche stamps.

-Bore & Action: The muzzle and bore view show strong, visible rifling with standard military use wear rather than being entirely shot out, meaning it remains mechanically functional.

Serial number match (not force matched) for the barrel, receiver, bottom plate, upper and lower stock.

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