This is a very scarce example of a late World War II German proofed Soviet Mosin-Nagant M44 carbine. This was likely captured on the Eastern Front towards the tail end of the war and would have been designated the Karabiner 457(r) as hastily pressed into German military service. One possibility of how this rifle could have ended up in German hands is the Vistula-Oder offensive, in which the Red Army made a major advance into German held territory between January 12th, 1945-February 2nd, 1945, capturing Krakow, Warsaw and Poznan. The Germans answered back with Operation Solstice, Operation Conrad, and finally Operation Spring Awakening, which ultimately failed by March 16th, 1945. The carbine is dated "1945" on top of the breech and has various German proofs located on the left breech of the barrel, right of the receiver, on the bolt, and on the left of the magazine housing consisting of an eagle/swastika above "(SS runes)/Wa1/63". Faint German eagle stamps are visible in the stock behind the trigger guard. Features a hooded blade front sight, ladder rear sight, and a right side mounted folding spike bayonet. Includes a green canvas sling with leather ends. Absent cleaning rod. Transliterated original serial number: RG6308.

Very fine, retains 98% arsenal refurbished blue finish with a few light handling marks. Stock is fine as arsenal refinished, with some scattered light scratches and handling marks. Mechanically excellent.