May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
This is an extremely rare deactivated Chinese Type 56 Rocket Propelled grenade launcher (RPG), also known as the RPG-2, registered for private ownership. This is a real classic early RPG with steel tube, wooden shoulder guard, and alloy pistol grip with wooden grips. Chinese markings clearly visible above and below serial number. This tube was cut into two halves by Mataxis at the time of its transport and importation into the United States even though it was registered for private ownership as part of the Amnesty period which began in November 1968. The elder Mataxis felt that as a Deactivated War Trophy it would attract less attention in transit, and be more likely to make it safely back into his personal possession upon his eventual return to the United States after his tour of combat service. This piece remains a registered destructive and will transfer as such. It could readily be restored to a firing condition with appropriate effort. This RPG is mounted on a display board with a deactivated and inert example of the projectile it would have fired. Brass plaque on display board reads, “CHICOM COPY SOVIET RPG-2 CAPTURED FROM 24TH NVA REGT BY 1ST BDE 101ST ABN DIVISION KONTUM, SOUTH VIETNAM 6/66”. This display board, and it’s contents were brought back from Vietnam and the RPG registered by then Col. Theodore C. Mataxis, Veteran of WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, and U.S. Advisor to Afghanistan. This piece was subsequently inherited by his son, Ted Mataxis Jr, whom also served in Vietnam at the same time as his Father. PROVENANCE: A letter From Ted C. Mataxis JR substantiating the history of this piece is included with this lot. There will be a book chronicling the life and service of Theodore C. Mataxis published in June (Europe), and August (United States) 2025. Interested parties can pre-order this book directly from Theo C. Mataxis JR at Legacyofduty.com. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original as brought back black finish on steel parts with the alloy grip frame providing an attractive contrast. Original wooden shoulder heat shield in extremely fine condition. Masking tape is visible through the bottom clamshell opening of this wooden heat shield where the two halves are taped together for display. This piece was not removed from the display board nor disassembled incidental to cataloging. Bore is dark with firing residue. The hammer of the firing mechanism has strong spring tension and cocks and dry-fires. Safely switch is also functional. Inert projectile is in original green paint, separated into two halves and is empty with firing residue, and marked, “3G-E-552”. This is a singular opportunity to acquire a genuine R.P.G. which was used and captured in Vietnam, with Provenance to two notable American Officers. This cataloger cannot recall, nor is there ever likely to be another specimen like this one which combines so many desirable elements of originality, unit provenance, and historical linkage to officers who performed such significant service to the United States. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE AN ATF FORM 5 AS A DEACTIVATED CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE NFA ITEM. JWK 2025-05-085.
Accessories
Display Board with projectile and plaque
Caliber/Bore
Rocket Launcher
FFL Status
Destructive Device
Paperwork
Letter of Provenance