Zbrojovka Brno vz. 33 Gendarmerie (ČETN-Marked) 8mm Mauser Bolt-Action Carbine, 20 in Barrel, 1935, Double-Tailed Lion Crest
This Czechoslovak pre-war vz. 33 Gendarmerie carbine stands out for its ČETN-marked stock disc, intact double-tailed lion national crest on the receiver ring, and clear side-rail legend. Manufactured in 1935, it features the compact 20-inch barrel and lightened hardware that define the vz. 33 pattern, a design that directly informed the later German G.33/40. Its original blued finish, military sighting system, and distinctive Brno markings present a strong, collectible example of a scarce gendarmerie configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. It has various cosmetic imperfections, scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss. There is minor surface pitting in spots. The bore remains clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Leather rifle sling (installed)
The vz. 33 Gendarmerie variant is identifiable here by its ČETN-marked stock disc and compact carbine configuration. The receiver ring retains the double-tailed lion national crest, and the side rail is marked "ČS. ZBROJOVKA AKC. SPOL.
V BRNĚ VZ33," confirming its Brno origin and model designation.
Built on the Mauser pattern, this bolt-action carbine uses a turned-down bolt with a spherical knob and a 5-round internal fixed magazine with a hinged floorplate. The 20-inch barrel keeps the package handy, while the hardwood stock with grasping grooves and bottom sling swivels supports practical carry and handling. Length of pull measures 13.0 inches.
Sighting is via an unhooded front post with protective ears paired to a tangent rear sight. Up front, the ventilated barrel band with lightening windows integrates a bayonet bar, reflecting the vz. 33’s emphasis on weight reduction without sacrificing service features. A short upper handguard completes the military configuration.
Produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s, the vz. 33 had a limited production run of approximately 25,300–25,311 carbines. Its engineering directly informed the later German G.33/40, underscoring the design’s influence. This 1935-dated example, with intact crest and correct markings, represents a solid specimen of the pre-war gendarmerie issue.