"1960" dated breech area of the barrel with a triangle enclosed "26" factory mark and the serial number. 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 longarms ended up in second line service, as well as being slated for export, with many becoming part of North Vietnam's inventory. The accompanying War Trophy Registration and American Embassy of Saigon export documents list this carbine by make, model, and serial number as captured May 4, 1966 by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Dale R. Worst, active in the Southeast Asia (Vietnam) theater between July 17, 1965-July 17, 1966. Hooded pin front sight and notched tangent rear sight. Fitted with a side-folding bayonet.

Good, with unmistakable signs of combat use, retaining half of the original blue finish with areas turned to a smooth brown patina, scattered spotting/pitting, and a dented section on the left of the magazine housing. Stock is good with an open bullet hole wound that entered from the left below the rear sight area leaving a keyhole shape and exited out the right side, and numerous scattered dents, scuffs, and jungle scars. Mechanically excellent. The sling has a well used appearance. For a collector of combat used weapons, this Vietnam War captured Chinese Type 53 carbine is a must have!