Premier Firearms Auction
May 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2022
Our first premier auction of 2022! This event hosts collections from across the country and brings them under one roof for an amazing multi-day auction!
This is an incredible opportunity to add rare and desirable firearms & militaria to your collection.
RARE & HIGHLY DESIRABLE CZECH ZH-29 SEMI-AUTO MILITARY RIFLE.
inv# 21-4550
Cal. 8×57 Mauser
S# 10209
Bbl. 23 5/16″
Introduced in 1929, this rifle is a gas operated tilting block design by Emmanuel Holek, who was the brother of Vaclav Holek, designer of the Z.B. 26 LMG. The rifle has an unusual design in that the bolt locks into the left side of the receiver causing the breech to be offset to the left and requiring that the sights be offset to compensate. Features include the hinged receiver for takedown and cleaning as well as an adj. gas cyl. to regulate the operating pressure. Forend terminates in a cast aluminum block with cooling fins. Rifles were made primarily in 8×57 Mauser and given trial in many countries including the United States. According to Bruce Canfield in the book “The M1 Garand Rifle”, the ZH 29 as trialed by the U.S. ordnance board was not well liked for its looks, but it did perform very well and importantly did not require lubricated ammunition. The rifle also weighed less than the minimum weight thought necessary & established that a full power rifle could be built within the weight limits desired by the U.S. Ordnance Department. This was a crucial element and turning point in the development of the M1 Garand rifle.
Research reveals that the rifle was purchased in small quantities by China and Ethiopia, as well as being trialed by Japan, Lithuania and the U.S. Little record is available on combat use of this rifle, but there is little doubt it would have performed well under normal circumstances. Receiver marked on left side “CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA, AKCIOVA SPOLECNOST BRNO”. Receiver marked on top rear “AUTOMATICKA PUSKA Z.H. 29.” & “rampant lion”. Tangent rear sight graduated to 1,600 meters. Inverted V front sight. Bayonet lug is mounted on bbl. shroud & has matching S#. Rotary safety on right side of rifle. Rifle is mfg. for detachable box mags. which can be loaded at the top using integral grip guides in receiver. Bottom swivels. Buttplate is grooved sheet metal. Walnut pistol grip buttstock & matching 2 piece walnut handguards. Unmarked tan leather military sling.
STATUS: CURIO
