Description
The Type Chiang Kai-shek rifle (Chinese: 中正式), also known as the Zhongzheng/Jiang Jieshi Rifle, Generalissimo rifle & Type 24 (二四式), named after the Chinese Nationalist Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, was a Chinese-made copy of the German Standard Modell rifle, the forerunner of the Karabiner 98k. Pre-production of the Chiang Kai-shek rifle started in 1935 (year 24 of the Republican calendar, hence the Type 24). It was designated the Type 79 by the Chinese Communists who ended up with the majority after winning the Chinese Civil War.
The weapon served as one of the main battle rifles for the Chinese National Revolutionary Army (NRA, or Nationalists). Like the Karabiner 98k, it was a shortened & lightened version of the Gewehr 98, specifically, a copy of the Oberndorf Export Mauser named Standard Modell.
10,000 had been bought by China in 1934 & the Germans provided the tooling to produce the Type 24. The 1934 materials proved to be incorrect & new tools were sent in early 1935 with full-scale production as early as late 1935.
Although it entered production at the Gong Xian Arsenal in July 1935, China’s limited industrial capacity meant that the rifle was built in relatively low numbers. The name of the rifle was changed from Type 24 to Type Chiang Kai-Shek after a visit of the Generalissimo to the factory.
As the war progressed however, China’s industry in western cities like Chongqing & Kunming allowed more of these rifles to be produced, although quality controls issues persisted due to the need to move machinery in order to avoid being captured or destroyed by Japanese troops.
Together with the Mauser C96 handgun & the M35 Helmet, these weapons have become recognizable features of the Generalissimo’s National Revolutionary Army during China’s turbulent early 20th century. In an ironic twist, although named after Chiang Kai-shek, the rifle was heavily used by the Communists that he fought against during the Chinese Civil War.
It is known that the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army (who were mobilised from the PLA & sent to Korea as a non officially sanctioned force in order to not risk war with the US) used the Type Zhongzheng rifle during the Korean War alongside other small arms that were provided as military aid to the PRC by the Soviet Union.
This example is in great condition considering its journey through time. The ideograph on the receiver ring is faint & hard to photograph but clearly visible, despite being very worn. There are various numbers marked on the wood & other places so some research may well identify where & when this was made.
Unsurprisingly, it is a mixed numbers gun with the bolt not matching the S/N & there is a unique identifying number, most likely a rack number but it could be a unit designation on the stock painted in yellow. Incredibly, this rifle also retains the original sling which is in excellent condition. The bore is dark & not great but rifling can easily be seen so with a good clean, this may well be better than it looks right now.
Our information is that this rifle was bought home as a war trophy by a USGI when he returned from the Korean War & as part of its provenance comes with an original UN ‘Safe Conduct Pass’ with the story being these were taken from a defecting North Korean (or maybe Chinese) soldier.
As collectors we are told ‘buy the gun, not the story’ but this history really adds to what is an excellent representation of a historic rifle which are highly desirable due to their place in Chinese military history & of course, the real rarity of surviving rifles.
Do your own research & you will know if this is for you. Please view the photos carefully & make your decision based on what you see as they form the main description & override all written information. Ask for more if desired.
We think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional & are happy for feedback from people who know more than we do.
Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting.
We have a pretty unique refund policy on our collectable guns whereby we will refund your money if it is not as described when you receive it. Just let us know before you decide to send it back.
Standard cost for shipping is $55 & all guns are sent via StarTrack without insurance but we pack very well.
