The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 1014:
Description
*RARE* Dae-Han prototype rifle ! This gun is serial numbered 0001 Which makes it one of the first prototypes made. The Dae-Han gun was developed in 1952 by the 1st Busan Army Arsenal in South Korea with the intention to develop their own domestic industry, but they never went into full production due to lack of materials and the easy availability of both US and Japanese surplus arms from the Second World War. It appears to be a hybrid of US & Japanese rifles. The bolt action copies the characteristics of the 1917 Enfield and the loading system copies the 8 round en block clips of the M1 Garand with its internal magazine. the front stock & gun sight are somewhat similar to the Japanese 99 rifle. It is fitted with a bayonet lug and a front sight with protective “ears”. The steel butt plate has a door for a cleaning rod. Barrel rifling is clear and clean. Overall condition is amazing considering the crudeness of original production fits. The stock shows scattered dings and small gouges, but still presents well. The top of the receiver is stamped with the “TAEGEUK” icon commonly called the “yin-yang” which symbolizes cosmic balance and harmony. This symbol is the central dominant figure on the South Korean flag.
Very little is known about these rifles, with maybe as few as 6 known to exist with only a few examples preserved at the Korean Army Museum.
This is a unique opportunity to obtain an outstanding piece for a private collection or a Museum.
C&R eligible
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