This carbine was manufactured in China and patterned after the Russian Mosin Nagant M44 carbine. The carbine is fitted with a hooded post front and tangent rear sights graduated to 1000 meters, standard folding cruciform spike bayonet, and cleaning rod. The barrel shank is dated "1960" below the factory "26" marking. The bolt is numbered to the gun. Mounted on a hardwood stock with grasping grooves and sling loops. The right side of the buttstock has a presentation plaque tacked to it. The plaque reads "PRESENTED TO MAJOR GILDART/Sector Advisor Quang Tri/Victory at CUA 27 November 1964/Major PHAN-BA-HOA/Sector Commander". The consignor states that Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. Gildart Jr. served as an advisor to Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) from 1964 to 1965, and was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; the Bronze Star for distinguished heroism and valor against an enemy; the Purple Heart for wounds in action against an enemy, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Major Phan Ba Hoa, later Lieutenant Colonel, was regimental commander of the ARVN 3rd Infantry Regiment and later province chief when Quang Tri fell. This Chinese T-53 carbine was presented to then-Major Gildart on November 27, 1964 when Gildart was in an advisory role, by then-Commander Phan Ba Hoa, commemorating the victory at Cua Viet River and is an exceptionally rare, pre-US official involvement bring back.

Very good with 70% of the original blue finish. Displaying general handling marks, some light edge wear, and scattered light spotting. The bolt has aged to a mottled gray brown patina. The revarnished wood is good with indentations and handling marks throughout as well as some deeper gouges. Mechanically excellent. A very nice and historic Vietnam War era presentation carbine.