This is a scarce example of an early Czechoslovakian ZH29 semi-automatic rifle produced under contract for the country of Ethiopia. Designed in 1929 by the Czech engineer Emanuel Holek and produced by the firm Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka and later the CZ factory in Brno, it was one of the first semi-automatic rifles to see actual service. These were demonstrated to several countries in Europe and the Far East with production examples sold to China, Thailand, and even Japan prior to WWII. However, they were actually produced in very limited numbers with this example sold to Ethiopia. These rifles are very unique in that they have a gas-operating mechanism with a bolt/locking system mounted on the right side of the action instead on directly on top. During firing, the rear of the breech bolt actually cams/slides to the right after firing to unlocking and eject a spent cartridge and then, when in the loading cycle, the bolt/operating rod moves forward and the rear of the bolt cams back to the left to lock the bolt in place in the receiver. The rifle used mostly machined parts that were held to close tolerances with final hand fitting and polishing giving the rifle a very smooth action. The action is also somewhat unique in that it is designed to be disassembled using only the tip of a bullet as all the major takedown pins are non-tapered, and two large pins hold the upper and lower receiver groups together making field disassembly very easy. The rifle has a 10-round detachable magazine, tangent rear sight and a distinctive aluminum cooling jacket. The rifle has a blued receiver and two-piece, European walnut stock and forearm. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped: "CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA/AKCIOVIA SPOLECNOST/BRNO" in three lines. It has the Ethiopian Lion Crest stamped on the left front area of the receiver and right rear side of the buttstock over serial number "0800". It has a blued metal finish with the bolt mechanism left in the white from the factory.

Fine condition with 80% of the blued finish overall with edge and high spot wear with the blue finish fading on the sides of the receiver. The stock and handguards are both in very good condition showing numerous light pressure dents and handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent.