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. In use with China into the 1960s, the Type 53 was made obsolete by the introduction of the Type 56 Carbine and Rifle; many were relegated to militia use or exported, including a number to North Vietnam for use by the NVA and Viet Cong. Two "Registration of War Trophy Firearms" DD603 forms from July of 1969 are included, both made out to a Lance Corporal John D. Gingrich of Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, identifying this item by serial number. L/Cpl Gingrich's war experience was not documented. The 1st Regiment was in Vietnam 1965-1971; among other distinctions they were heavily involved in retaking Hue during the Tet Offensive, and were among the last American infantry units to depart the country. Post front and tangent rear sights, with a cruciform side-folding bayonet attached to the barrel, "26" factory mark and "1960" date on the chamber, matching numbers on the bolt and floorplate, smooth stock and an original Vietnam War North Vietnamese leather and canvas sling.

Fair, but above average by jungle warfare standards, with a mixed brown and gray patina overall, shallow pitting concentrated along the edges of the wood and at the muzzle, and deeper pitting on the buttplate. The heavily worn wood shows some dents, scuffs and chips. Mechanically fine.