Zhungzheng T24 Model (Mauser) Rifle…………….(f 1251)

 Zhungzheng T24 Short Model Mauser Rifle.

Produced in China by state arsenals during a period between 1939 and 1949.  Quality varied enormously but to all intents and purposes this one is not too bad at all.    Chambered in standard 8mm Mauser (7.92 x 57) with a Mauser turn bolt action.  The rifle holds 5 rounds in a staggered internal magazine.  The bolt arm is a straight unit.  It has the conventional Mauser three position flag-safety system to the rear.

The rifle carries a serial number which unfortunately is not matching of “L 9635”.  It is not easy for me to describe the markings over the receiver; you will have to see them yourselves (above)  Within the lower marking it is interesting to note the use of the Buddhist ideograph, to you and me a  left-facing Swastika which also appears on other parts of the rifle.  It has an entirely different meaning from the Swastika adopted by the Nazis.  The lower marking is believed to be the Arsenal marking and the upper marking (bow within a cogwheel) possibly the marking for the Northwestern Army of General Feng Yu-Hsiang. (See: Mausers of the World – R.Ball) They are quite unique and very rarely seen on Mausers in the Western world. However it allows us to date the rifle to within 1936 and 1949.

Similar in many way to rifles being produced for western governments and other nations the rifle measures 43.5/8″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is a nominal 23.1/2 long and the trigger pull to center is 13.1/8″.  Semi-pistol grip hard-wood stock with steel contoured butt-plate with horizontal ridges.  The fore-end has finger groves on either side of approximately 4.1/2″.  The usual mauser re-enforcement bolt below the receiver ring. Milled steel trigger guard and magazine floor plate. Also in that vicinity is the same ideograph.  The manufacturers of the this Chinese built mauser have seen fit to include the looking screws system, used on the German mausers.

The rear action bridge has the cut-out for the facility of clip loading.  Conventional bolt release on the rear LHS of the action.  It is unfortunate that the bolt carries mixed numbers, but more positive that it is an actual Chinese bolt, as carring the reverserd symbol mentioned above. The bolt is strangely light grey in colour as if dipped in acid or mildly affected by heat. The rifle has a heavy duty leather strap with rather large, cumbersome fiting to attache to sling swivels.

The barrel is most likely original to the rifle as an early inscription can be seen on the section between the rear sight and the receiver ring. It is a common marking found on firearms of this era and means “National Revolutionary Army”. Worth further investigation to understand the weapons’ roots.  The rear sight is the conventional Mauser rear sight, that we are all familiar with, marked up with western numerals. On lifting the leaf up fully, a different number can be seen on the sight components.  Fitted with a mid-barrel band with front sling swivel underneath.  That band held in position by a short spring.  Bayonet fitting and H-shaped nose cap with cleaning rod stored under.  Bluing is strong all over suggesting a refinish.

The stock is almost too good with a modern lacquered finish, suggesting replacement.  The bore, though, is excellent and if you want to shoot 8mm Mauser from a K98 type rifle, this has got to be the cheapest way to get started.  If you are interested in Mausers in general, or early formative Chinese history this will give you something to think about.  West German CIP proofs applied.

FAC required – Stock No’ F 1251

£ 600.

Type 24 Bayonet & Scabbard

Classical Mauser type bayonet with bird’s head pommel and two-piece wooden grips. No markers markings.   Double edged blade. Steel scabbard.

Good condition.

£ 125.

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