Aug 07, 2010 The R in the serial number indicates you have a Romanian Vz-24. The H signifies a specific manufacturing period, but I don't have a chart, or know of one. You don't say if it's in military condition, or has been sporterized, as happened with many Mauser's. If sporterized it was not unusual for markings to be altered. The rifle and barrel total lengths are the same as the VZ-24 Czech Mauser and both serial numbers barrel /receiver match (1xxx E) once I removed the stock and looked underneath but the rest of the rifle’s parts are missed match. Also I could not find any import marking on the barrel or the receiver.
Sold For: $1,280.00 LSB#: 160901RH01
Make: Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka, A.S. (Czechoslovakian Arms Factory Ltd.) located in Brno, Czechoslovakia
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “CESKOSLOVENSKA / ZBROJOVKA / =BRNO=”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “E small lion 31” and “vz 24”. The right side of the receiver is marked with a small Czech stamping. The top of the bolt handle is marked with the serial number. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “K2” and “circled Z”. The nose cap, bottom rear of the bolt body, the bottom metal, rear of the buttplate, top of the rear sight and the bottom of the grip are each marked with a “circled Z” stamp. The buttplate is also stamped “RFV”. The left side of the butt is marked with the serial number (the last digit is small). The grip is marked “E”, “D”, “3” and with a small “heart”. The left rear of the hand guard is marked “86”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 1/4 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set atop a ramped base. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to a sliding elevator marked from “3-20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece hardwood with a pistol grip, finger grooves, four sling loops, nosecap, barrel band, through bolt, a metal marking disk and a metal buttplate. The stock shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Most of the marks are along the bottom. Some of the marks are deep and have removed small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled. The buttplate shows small scratches and surface erosion. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is deep. There is no visible erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The top rear of the receiver shows scrapes and an area of thinning. The front of the barrel and bottom metal show scrapes, small scratches and some small areas of frosting. The screw heads are intact. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Our Assessment: This Czechoslovakian VZ 24 is in nice shape. It has great markings on the metal and matching numbers on the receiver, bolt handle & stock. It still has a strong bore which should out last you if properly cared for. The VZ24 is a tough Mauser that was exported around the world and used by several countries as their military rifle. Good luck.