The Soviet M44 carbine, as well as the Chinese Type 53 that was patterned after it, were widely used by North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. The chamber is dated "1946," with the serial number transliterated to "TSK4997," with matching numbers on the bolt, buttplate, and magazine floor plate. Fitted with a hooded post front sight and adjustable notched tangent rear sight, straight grip stock, and ill-fitting replacement folding spike bayonet. The included October 25, 1969, dated DD 603 document states that this carbine was the trophy of Floyd Riblett of the Headquarters Company, HQ Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, at the Quang Tri Combat Base, Republic of Vietnam. The capture paper also lists the carbine as "SOVIET 7,62mm Carbine M1944" and the serial number as "UK4997." Includes a tan canvas carry sling.

Fine as a Vietnam War trophy, with 50% of the blue finish retained with scattered moderate pitting, handling marks, extensive spotting, and wear expected from a battlefield pickup in a tropical climate. The front barrel band and band retainer spring are absent, along with the front quarter of the handguard and front right section of the forearm, possibly due to damage sustained at the time of capture. The stock also has some filled in dents. Mechanically excellent.