May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
This rifle was presented to Colonel Theodore C. Mataxis while serving as a Senior Advisor for II Corps Pleiku in Vietnam, with compliments from Major General Nguyen, after it was captured from 95th PAVN in March of 1965 during operations on Highway 19, a massively important strategic corridor for logistics during the Vietnam War; this information is recorded on a plaque on the right side of the stock. Colonel Mataxis was a highly decorated soldier who led an illustrious career from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and as a U.S. advisor to Afghanistan. This is a classic Chinese manufactured copy of a Soviet AK-47 as made and supplied to the PAVN. Markings for the fire selector positions on the right side with factory 66 markings and serial number on left side. Matching full or partial serial numbers observed on frame, dust cover, and piston assembly; bolt head number 0967. With bayonet numbered 145775, and unnumbered original 30-round magazine. PROVENANCE: Letter signed by Ted C. Mataxis Jr. substantiating history of this arm. 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: Good as having spent time in a humid area. Metal with fine surface level thinning and flaking of finish with silvering and fine oxidation to sharp edges, with the front half of the gun a smooth chocolate patina. This rifle has been professionally deactivated by adding a bead of weld over the firing pin face and a slug in the barrel, which runs from breech up to approximately 2" from muzzle. Mechanically fine, and evidence of congealed grease and oil in internals indicate that despite the external appearance, this gun was cared for to ensure it would remain operable. Visible rifling is excellent, bright and shiny. Stocks very good with some handling marks and impressions. Mounted to a display board, with a plaque that reads "Colonel Theo C. MATAXIS / Senior Advisor / II Corps Tactical Zone / Pleiku Vietnam / October 64 - January 66 / The Officers of Advisory Team 21 MACV". An extremely rare example made all the more desirable by the association with a highly decorated soldier. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 5 AS A DEACTIVATED CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE NFA ITEM.
Manufacturer
Vietnam Service Soviet
Paperwork
Letter of Provenance