Originally manufactured for World War II, this rifle has been deactivated, and a set of bolts have been permanently attached to the sling mounting hardware to attach the rifle to the included hardwood plaque. The brass plate attached to the plaque is inscribed (in German) to General Crosbie Saint, in his role as leader of NATO Central Army Group, overall commander of American forces in Europe and commander of the American 7th Army, "zur Erinnerung an das Deutsche Heer" (in memory of the German Army). In his role with the Central Army Group, Saint had two full Corps of the West German Bundeswehr under his command.

Fair as disabled/refurbished, with a mixed gray phosphate finish overall, showing some handling marks and sub-surface pitting. The wood shows a number of dings and dents. The barrel has been plugged, and the action currently out of order.

Manufactured in China, the Type 53 Carbine is closely patterned after the Soviet Type 44 Mosin-Nagant Carbine, to include the signature side-folding bayonet. Post front and tangent rear sights, with the "298" factory mark and "1954" date on the barrel, and a silver finished plaque nailed to the buttstock marked "TO MAJOR CROSBIE E. SAINT/FROM THE OFFICERS OF THE/1st SQUADRON 1st CAVALRY/7 JAN-68". A two-tour veteran of the Vietnam War, Saint first deployed from Fort Hood, Texas as the S3 (Operations) Officer with the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, arriving in-country in 1967. From arrival until mid-1968, the 1st Cavalry was involved in around 11 major battles. During his time in Vietnam, Saint would earn the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit (plus one oak cluster), multiple Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross; the DFC citation mentions "extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight... voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty", but lacks specifics, while the Air Medal citations include using his personal helicopter for casualty evacuation while under fire, dropping into hot zones to direct ground response, and engaging in hot pursuit of disengaging enemy forces, the latter involving more than one incident of firing small arms out of chopper doors at said enemy. According to available records, this carbine was among the personal firearms taken by Saint to Germany for his posting as Commander in Chief of U.S. Army Europe.

Good, with 30% of the blue finish, showing wear, tear, and pitting appropriate to a jungle-captured war trophy. Areas of mixed patina and heavy pitting throughout, along with some edge wear and handling marks. The bolt is a mixed-numbered replacement, and the stock shows a varnish overcoat, with scuffs, chips and dark spots. Mechanically very good.