This is a rare example of a Czech Model ZH29 semi-automatic rifle with distinctive, finned, cast, aluminum handguard, European walnut stock, forearm and detachable magazine. The Model ZH29 was one of the first successful military semi-automatic rifles. Introduced in 1929, it was purchased in limited quantities by Ethiopia and Thailand. In 1929, a ZH29 chambered for the .276 Pedersen cartridge was tested by the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground as a possible semi-automatic replacement for the Model 1903 Rifle. The ZH29 features a milled steel receiver with a tangent rear sight graduated to 1600 meters. The stock has a ribbed steel buttplate. The top of the receiver is marked with the serial number, "10113" mid-way between the rear sight and the heel. The heel is stamped: "AUTOMATIKA PUSKA/Z.H.29" above a small rampant lion proofmark. The left side of the receiver is boldly marked: "CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA/AKCIOVA SPOLECNOST/BRUNO." in three lines. The receiver and barrel have a translucent, brownish-purple finish. The bolt, rear sight face and buttplate are bright. The serrated handguard has a natural aluminum finish. The rifle is complete with blued stamped steel, 10 short magazine and extra (extremely rare) 20 round magazine and is fitted with the original russet leather sling.

Partially refinished. The barrel and receiver retain nearly half of the part blue/part brown finish. The browning is thin on the receiver and barrel contact points. Both sides of the receiver have lgiht pitting underneath the aforementioned finish. The close-grained European walnut stock and forearm are revarnished with only minor handling wear. The magazines are in excellent condition with most of the original blue finish. The receiver markings are crisp. The sling is in nearly new condition. This is a very fine example of a rarely encountered Czech Model ZH29 semi-automatic rifle. The consignor states that this rifle was formerly part of the H.P. White Laboratory Reference Collection and the H.P. White Laboratory evaluated non-standard foreign weapons following WWII.