May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
1 of only 50,000 Type 58 machine guns produced by the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Initial Type 58 production began in 1958, with early examples being comprised of both Russian and domestically made parts made under Soviet advisors until North Korean proficiency allowed for full domestic production. These Type 58s are one of the most sought-after AK variants among collectors in the United States, with most if not all examples likely finding their way into the registry after being captured and brought back as a war trophy with a G.I. from Vietnam before the Amnesty. This example is comprised of sturdy milled steel construction, being mounted with a laminated wood buttstock, pistol grip, and handguards. The left side of the receiver bears an encircled North Korean 5-pointed star over "58" followed by the serial number, with the right side bearing Korean selector markings and several small arsenal proofs. Left side of buttstock is stamped with an encircled "58". Features include a deep blued finish, 16 - 1/4" barrel, chrome-lined bore, Russian pattern front sight block, Korean AK pattern rear sight, as well as a butt trap containing its cleaning kit. Matching numbers are present on the receiver, receiver cover, mainspring guide rod assembly, bolt carrier, bolt, buttstock, as well as on the lower handguard. Gas tube matches via an electro-penciled inscription on the bottom of the tube. NFA Registry lists "North Korean Government Arsenal" in the manufacturer block, with "T 58" in the model block. PROVENANCE: From the collection of esteemed NFA firearms enthusiast and collector J. R. Moody. CONDITION: Very fine, with metal components retaining bountiful amounts of their original arsenal blue finish, exhibiting some light wear and thinning on the front sight block as well as on a few small areas on the receiver that shows through to a pleasing brown patina (North Korean encircled star and "58" stamps on the left side of the receiver are soft, though it is of this cataloger's opinion that due to the displacement seen around other receiver stampings as well as the definition of the machining marks, that this example does retain its original arsenal blue finish). Receiver shows a few light areas of cleaned oxidation but is otherwise fine. Mirror bore, exhibiting sharp and well-defined lands and grooves throughout. Bolt face is extremely fine. Laminated wood furniture shows some minor flaking to the varnish, as well as some minor scattered marks from handling and storage, but is otherwise fine. An exceptional example of a true holy grail piece for the advanced collector, that with a very low 3-digit serial number would prove to be an extremely difficult, if not impossible, example to upgrade from. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. MLW