This finely crafted pre-World War II semi-automatic commercial rifle is similar in operation to the Czech ZB-26 light machine gun, designed by a member of the same family, Emmanuel Holek, who most notably designed ZH-29 semi-automatic rifle while working at Brno prior to starting his own gun company. The rifle utilizes a tipping bolt actuated by a gas piston running beneath the barrel, and with a detachable spring loaded box magazine. Disassembly is easily performed through removal of a locking pin at the rear of the action. It has a drift adjustable blade front and notch rear sight. The left breech area of the barrel is marked "586" followed by proofmark and the year "39" (1939), and "8x57" on the right. The top rear of the receiver is marked with a circled Holek company logo above "ORIGINAL/HOLEK/AUTOMAT" in three lines. Serial number "141" marked underneath the receiver, with the full and partial matching serial number marked on various components. A silver plaque inscribed with a crown above initials "N.V" is located on the underside of the buttstock.

Very fine, retains 75% original high polish blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. Scattered light pitting visible on the sides of the bright magazine. Stock is also fine as professionally refinished, with some light handling marks, a small repaired crack visible on the left of the forend, a filled in repair visible at the bottom front of the buttstock just behind the trigger guard, and crisp recut checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare example of a high quality pre-World War II Czechoslovakian semi-automatic Holek sporting rifle that would make a fine addition to any advanced firearms collection!