Really interesting vet boxed 'send back'.

[Anzac15]

Ok...just got this home today. It is a Yugoslavian Model 1924, all matching, packed away with the stock and upper handguard of a Polish kar98AZ, that also retains the original sling. A T/3 by the name of Donald Haight sent this home to his wife in Sacramento, California sometime during the second world war. He served with the 912 ord HAM ( Heavy Automotive Maintenance ) He apparently built the box, took all the metal off the stock, and put all that into a canvas like pouch. Now in no way does this action fit in this stock, so what the hey?? I also found info on Mr. Haight, found his obituary online. He passed in 2009, and it does make mention of his time in Europe with the 912th HAM. Interesting piece all around. Enjoy the pics.

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[mmppres]

wow that is truly awesome thanks for sharing

[vintage hunter]

Neat. I've seen some interesting things some of my friends relatives shipped/brought home. One is an absolutely mint(and quite possibly unfired) all matching full mum Arisaka T38 carbine his dad got hold of in Japan in the early days of the occupation. His dad fixed up a nice little crate similar to the one above to ship it home in. Another friend has a '43 K98k, bayonet, wood crate of ammo and the complete uniform the German soldier carrying all this stuff was wearing when he was captured by the friends uncle.

[mike webb]

That stock and bands/bayo lug would be a great find for someone restoring a Polish k98 sporter. Pretty much like the proverbial "hen's teeth" if you are looking for one. You could use the cash to buy the proper wood for the Yugo.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I find it interesting as is. What a time capsule.

[Anzac15]

Yeah, I don't think I could break this up. Just too unique to me.

[Rhpd201]

I have to agree - I'd hate to break it up. It's an incredible piece of that families history. I always wonder how/why these things get separated from the family of the vet that brought them back. It drives me nuts when I watch Pawn Stars and someone walks in with their grandpa's (dad's, whatever) item and wants to sell it.

[Calif-Steve]

My Uncle was in the Band of Brothers unit and ended up in May of 1945 in mountains of Germany. He told me he went down to an arms surrender point and traded his cigarette coupons for P38's and Kar98's. He told me the Germans almost never left weapons on the battlefield. He said they never had any battlefield pick-ups. Not sure how this vet got his hands on parts from 2 very different guns, just a mystery today. People gotta talk to vets when they are still around. This has to be a good story, sorry we will never know.

[Anzac15]

The veteran that sent this back has a brother that apparently still living. But I have run into a dead end trying to find him. Hopefully I can at some point and see if he has any info.