The Chinese Type 53 carbine was effectively an exact copy of the Soviet M44 Mosin-Nagant carbine. As China adopted more advanced SKS and AK pattern rifles, the older Mosin-Nagant based long arms ended up in second line service, as well as being slated for export, with many becoming part of North Vietnam's inventory. A set of February 20, 1971 dated DD603 registration documentation is made out for this item as a "SHICOM CARBINE TYPE 53 W/ BAYONET 7.63MM," identifying it by serial number as a war trophy and personal property of Master Sergeant Donald Sheffer, originally of Phoenix, Arizona, attached to "AELS, HQ MACV APO" in the Republic of Vietnam. The carbine features a hooded pin front sight and notched tangent rear sight, with a triangle enclosed "26" factory mark and "1960" dated chamber. Fitted with a hinged side-folding bayonet and a straight wrist stock with a flat buttplate.

Fair, showing wear and tear consistent with other documented Vietnam War trophies. Most of the metal surface has turned a mixed brown and gray patina, with original blue visible on recessed areas, along with mild spotting and light handling marks. The wood is also fair, with discoloration, rounding of the toe, and mild scuffs. Action is loose in stock and rear sight spring is broken. Mechanically functions fine otherwise.