German Modified VZ-24

[ltong29]

So I have been watching this VZ-24...
Seller claims it was re-worked by the Germans during WW2. I see that the left side sling points were removed and the stock hole was plugged. It looks like it has the original floor plate and trigger guard (based on the Circle Z stamps). In most of the threads I've seen here with German re-worked VZ-24s, it seems like most of the pieces were rebuilt and a lot of the stuff re-numbered. I've been searching for a matching VZ-24 for a while. Does this seem too good to be true? Has this gun been messed with? It doesn't seem like there are any red flags to my (admittedly novice) eyes. Some advice/help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dave]

VZ-24's have 4 original serial numbers on them. Bolt. stock, barrel and receiver. The Germans modified and took into their service many 24's. Most had the side swivels removed and hole plugged, some, had the bottom swivels removed and had bent bolt put in, a true carbine by German standards. Some had some parts numbered and some did not and which parts did could vary. There is just no consistent pattern to German re-works, except swivel removal.
As to weather this one is "matched" you only have to look at the 4 original numbers, tho the German added numbers should also match. But I would ignore those. Just my opinion! You do not mention serial numbers at all so no one can tell you if it is matched or not! Of course it is not 'original' but some pay more for a German rework, tho I know not why!

 

[ltong29]

I suppose a better question would be is there any rhyme or reason to how the Germans re-worked VZ-24s. In some of the examples in the picture gallery, the magazine and trigger guard were numbered and a bolt take down disc was installed in place of the stock disc. Here are pictures from the rifle in question. It appears to have some "Germanized" features such as the sling point modifications but it lacks certain other "Germanized" features such as the numberings on the magazine/floor plate and the installation of a bolt take down disc. Is it possible that the stock was installed on a matching barreled action and modified to "match" the rifle. There seem to be a lot of variants and markings on VZ-24s and I'm starting to get confused...

 

[AndyB]

Looks like correct matching Vz24 rifle, with minor german changes, the unit is a czechoslovak Field Artillery Regiment Nr.6, most real located in south Moravia region .b.r.Andy

 

[mrfarb]

The Germans put out 2 bulletins for modifications to VZ24 rifles. The bulletins call for all VZ24 rifles in inventory to be updated - the first in 1940 specifically stated to remove the wrist swivel and modify the front to remove one of the sling loops. Interestingly, it doesn't specifically say which one to remove, so you get some odd combinations. The second in 1941 speaks of adding takedown discs to the rifles. So between the 2 bulletins you can find all kinds of different modifications to the VZ24. Most are not attributed to a depot.

 

[ltong29]

Thanks for all the input. I was able to find some more info in the attached document. I had a few more questions on the bolt. Is that a proper "Rampant Lion" proof on the bolt? I have never seen a Czech bolt mark like that. I get that the VZ-24 was first mass produced in 1926, but the Lion proofs on the bolt seemed to be more detailed. Also, can anyone inform me on the numbers on the bottom and rear of the bolt?

 

[AndyB]

I personally never saw a similar proof as on bolt handle, but it could be of earlier weapons, or reproofed, B4 and Z in circle are internal control proofs of the bolt, the 31 i dont known about.b.r.Andy

 

[DaveDavis]

Lots of legitimate variations in Germanized VZ24s.....

http://ww2weaponsforum.com/showthread.php?16439-Germanized-VZ24-Variations