I got to it before the Commies
I got to it before the Commies
Hit the Pawn trail today and scored something I know almost nothing about. I suspect it is a Mauser M-1924 that never got the refurbishment to the 24/47 or 24/52. It is an older Navy Arms import with a microscopic import mark. It has honest wear, everything but the bolt matches. The stock is in very good shape and has a unit number painted on. The kingdom of Yugoslavia crest is intact. (training rifle?) if the net can be trusted, it looks like a 1933 production. It came missing the rear sight (already ordered) and cleaning rod. The bore is good enough to shoot as well as I do, and probably a lot better.
I have found very little about the value of these, as most of the info is on the 24/47 and 24/52. After some serious haggling, I got it for $190.00 otd. Is being pre-Commie better or worse for the value of these?
I have found very little about the value of these, as most of the info is on the 24/47 and 24/52. After some serious haggling, I got it for $190.00 otd. Is being pre-Commie better or worse for the value of these?
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Aut Pax Aut Bellum
Re: I got to it before the Commies
I would say the intact crest would increase the value.
“Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” George Orwell, English novelist, essayist, and critic, 1903-1950
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
C. S. Lewis
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
C. S. Lewis
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Very cool! Congratulations on your find, that is a nice looking Mauser. Great addition to your collection.

"The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." - Albert Camus
-
FineRedMist
- Posts: 85
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2014 10:27 pm
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Is there a trick to good pics of the bore like this?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
- Junk Yard Dog
- Owner/Founder

- Posts: 48861
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 12:54 pm
- Location: New York
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Neat piece, good score ! 
If at first you don't succeed, reload and try again.
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Sweet m24
High up on my list 
The commerce which maybe carried on with the people inhabiting the line you will pursue renders a knowledge of these people important ~Thomas Jefferson~ (to- Lewis and Clark)
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Very nice. I think you did good. These are going between the mid 3's and 4's. I've got two of these - one fully matching, the other one with a non matching bolt. Both have numbers on the butt stock and full crests. From what I understand the Model 24 was the first Yugo standard military rifle and was known for it's excellent fit and finish. This rifle later morphed into the M24/xx series. You got some good pawn shops in your neck of the woods. Every time you post something I tell myself I'm getting in the car and driving the 70 miles to my closest pawn show where, incidentally, I have had good fortune in the past. Anyway, nice rifle and congrats

- Tennessee_Mosin
- Posts: 311
- Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2012 6:01 pm
- Location: Middle Tennessee/North Alabama/Northeast Mississippi (The Tri-land)
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Nice!!
$190.00 nowadays is like $99.00,twenty years ago..
$190.00 nowadays is like $99.00,twenty years ago..
Re: I got to it before the Commies
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
Winston Churchill
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!
Winston Churchill
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!
- bunkysdad
- Administrator

- Posts: 10778
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:22 pm
- Location: Mesquite Texas near Dallas
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Very nice piece here. The M24 is a fine catch.
Re: I got to it before the Commies
The original Model 1924 carbines had a sling swivel located on the wrist of the stock.When these rifles were rebuilt,a wooden plug was put in its place.Some collectors prefer these plugs,because it indicates a true model 1924 stock.
Do Not Think Of Winning.
Think,Rather,Of Not Losing
Gichin Funakoshi
Think,Rather,Of Not Losing
Gichin Funakoshi
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Although this stock is serial matching to the receiver, I do not believe that it is the original stock because there is no "ruler's monogram" on the stock, and there is certainly no plug in the wrist. The lack of the monogram keeps me from dating this rifle as either '33 or '39 production. I do however believe that the swivel on the wrist would only be on the "cavalry carbine" and not on the rifle. From my reading, the swivels are about the only difference in the two versions. (excepting that one cavalry rifle had a bent bolt and another did not) I believe it has been through some type of refurbishment as almos every piece, including barrel bands, is marked with a "3" which I take to be either and inspector's mark or an assembly mark. Any input or correction on my conjecture is welcomed.shoto2758 wrote:The original Model 1924 carbines had a sling swivel located on the wrist of the stock.When these rifles were rebuilt,a wooden plug was put in its place.Some collectors prefer these plugs,because it indicates a true model 1924 stock.
The previous owner had a cheap "scout scope" mount attached to the rifle when I bought it and I just got the correct sight leaf in the mail and have not had a chance to range test it yet, and the itch is killing me. (Thank God for the internet or I would have never figured out how to mount the new sight leaf, and I still nearly lacked the hand-strength to pull it off)
Aut Pax Aut Bellum
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Great find! I love the Yugo stuff. I've picked up a few variations of the Mauser type Yugo rifles over the years. I like the pre-war Model 24s a lot. You can find a lot more information about these from Bogdanovic, Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifle (p. 92).
I have one as described below:
SERBIAN Model 24 Mauser bolt-action short-rifle #224871 (8x57) mfg. by Kragjuvec post 1933. Excellent condition, with 90% original bluing and all-matching numbers. Bold SERBIAN crest above chamber, MOДЕЛ 1924 below. Bore a bit rough but bright with strong rifling. No cleaning-rod. Buttstock is streaked walnut with very few minor handling-marks, bold cartouche of King Petar II stamped on right side. You can see a picture at http://www.empirearms.com/224871.jpg.
I paid $425 for this in 2004. That might have been a little high the time. However it is all matching and has a pre-war stock, so there is a high degree of originality. When I see something I want, I tend to grab it, even if it is a little high. Better to have something to fill a slot for sure, rather than hoping something better or cheaper may eventually come down the pike, IMHO!
I think you did extremely well on yours pricewise.
At some time I did some research on these and came up with the following information, which I quote below. Forgive me for not giving proper credit for this information, but I don't remember where I originally found it. Hope you find this helpful/interesting.
Jim
"The highest serial number I have seen for a matching "ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC" rifle is 171,262.
The lowest serial number I have seen on a matching "VOJ. TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC" rifle is 33,315.
The highest number I have observed on a matching "VOJ.TEH.KRAGUJEVAC" Model 1924 is 246,626. Both this rifle and number 33,315 have the Peter II stock cartouche.
Here is a listing of the Model 1924 rifles and carbines in my collection, which I have been able to catalog with the assistance of information Branko has generously provided. All rifles are original and matching except number 6, a German conversion to the Kar98k side-mounted sling pattern.
ALEXANDER I RIFLES:
1. FN-made M1924, serial # A34580 numbered on the side of the stock just below the receiver ring; Kingdom CXC (Serbs, Croats and Slovenes), Alexander I stock cartouche, only 2 swivels under the stock, straight bolt, narrow lower band, ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC siderail.
2. Kragujevac-made M1924, serial # 171,626 numbered on side of the stock just below the receiver ring in FN style; Alexander I stock cartouche, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, only 2 sling swivels both under the stock, straight bolt, narrow lower band, ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC siderail.
PETER II (REGENCY) RIFLES:
3. Kragujevac M1924, serial # 33,315 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; crown over Peter II stock cartouche, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia” on left side of receiver, 4 sling swivels on lower and side positions, straight bolt, wide lower band with fixed side sling loop in Vz.23 style, side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
4. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II; serial # 168,113 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 4 swivels as number 3 above, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; wide lower band as number 3 above, VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
5. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II, serial # 176,851 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 4 swivels, as above, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; wide lower band; side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
6. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II, serial # 224,459; (226,937 on straight bolt), “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, straight bolt, converted by German forces during WW II, who added a Kar98k wide lower band notched for use with the M1924 lower band spring. The stock is an un-numbered Alexander I stock which has been cut for a Kar98k side-mounted sling, VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC.
7. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II stock cartouche, serial # 246,626 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 2 lower swivels, straight bolt, narrow Gew 98-style lower band, side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC.
8. Kragujevac M1924CK Chetnik assault carbine, serial # 1822 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; Peter II stock cartouche, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 2 sling swivels under the stock, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; narrow lower band has been installed directly against the upper “H” band; side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC"
I have one as described below:
SERBIAN Model 24 Mauser bolt-action short-rifle #224871 (8x57) mfg. by Kragjuvec post 1933. Excellent condition, with 90% original bluing and all-matching numbers. Bold SERBIAN crest above chamber, MOДЕЛ 1924 below. Bore a bit rough but bright with strong rifling. No cleaning-rod. Buttstock is streaked walnut with very few minor handling-marks, bold cartouche of King Petar II stamped on right side. You can see a picture at http://www.empirearms.com/224871.jpg.
I paid $425 for this in 2004. That might have been a little high the time. However it is all matching and has a pre-war stock, so there is a high degree of originality. When I see something I want, I tend to grab it, even if it is a little high. Better to have something to fill a slot for sure, rather than hoping something better or cheaper may eventually come down the pike, IMHO!
I think you did extremely well on yours pricewise.
At some time I did some research on these and came up with the following information, which I quote below. Forgive me for not giving proper credit for this information, but I don't remember where I originally found it. Hope you find this helpful/interesting.
Jim
"The highest serial number I have seen for a matching "ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC" rifle is 171,262.
The lowest serial number I have seen on a matching "VOJ. TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC" rifle is 33,315.
The highest number I have observed on a matching "VOJ.TEH.KRAGUJEVAC" Model 1924 is 246,626. Both this rifle and number 33,315 have the Peter II stock cartouche.
Here is a listing of the Model 1924 rifles and carbines in my collection, which I have been able to catalog with the assistance of information Branko has generously provided. All rifles are original and matching except number 6, a German conversion to the Kar98k side-mounted sling pattern.
ALEXANDER I RIFLES:
1. FN-made M1924, serial # A34580 numbered on the side of the stock just below the receiver ring; Kingdom CXC (Serbs, Croats and Slovenes), Alexander I stock cartouche, only 2 swivels under the stock, straight bolt, narrow lower band, ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC siderail.
2. Kragujevac-made M1924, serial # 171,626 numbered on side of the stock just below the receiver ring in FN style; Alexander I stock cartouche, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, only 2 sling swivels both under the stock, straight bolt, narrow lower band, ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC siderail.
PETER II (REGENCY) RIFLES:
3. Kragujevac M1924, serial # 33,315 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; crown over Peter II stock cartouche, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia” on left side of receiver, 4 sling swivels on lower and side positions, straight bolt, wide lower band with fixed side sling loop in Vz.23 style, side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
4. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II; serial # 168,113 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 4 swivels as number 3 above, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; wide lower band as number 3 above, VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
5. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II, serial # 176,851 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 4 swivels, as above, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; wide lower band; side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
6. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II, serial # 224,459; (226,937 on straight bolt), “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, straight bolt, converted by German forces during WW II, who added a Kar98k wide lower band notched for use with the M1924 lower band spring. The stock is an un-numbered Alexander I stock which has been cut for a Kar98k side-mounted sling, VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC.
7. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II stock cartouche, serial # 246,626 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 2 lower swivels, straight bolt, narrow Gew 98-style lower band, side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC.
8. Kragujevac M1924CK Chetnik assault carbine, serial # 1822 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; Peter II stock cartouche, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 2 sling swivels under the stock, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; narrow lower band has been installed directly against the upper “H” band; side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC"
Re: I got to it before the Commies
Great find! I love the Yugo stuff. I've picked up a few variations of the Mauser type Yugo rifles over the years. I like the pre-war Model 24s a lot. You can find a lot more information about these from Bogdanovic, Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifle (p. 92).
I have one as described below:
SERBIAN Model 24 Mauser bolt-action short-rifle #224871 (8x57) mfg. by Kragjuvec post 1933. Excellent condition, with 90% original bluing and all-matching numbers. Bold SERBIAN crest above chamber, MOДЕЛ 1924 below. Bore a bit rough but bright with strong rifling. No cleaning-rod. Buttstock is streaked walnut with very few minor handling-marks, bold cartouche of King Petar II stamped on right side. You can see a picture at http://www.empirearms.com/224871.jpg.
I paid $425 for this in 2004. That might have been a little high the time. However it is all matching and has a pre-war stock, so there is a high degree of originality. When I see something I want, I tend to grab it, even if it is a little high. Better to have something to fill a slot for sure, rather than hoping something better or cheaper may eventually come down the pike, IMHO!
I think you did extremely well on yours pricewise.
At some time I did some research on these and came up with the following information, which I quote below. Forgive me for not giving proper credit for this information, but I don't remember where I originally found it. Hope you find this helpful/interesting.
Jim
"The highest serial number I have seen for a matching "ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC" rifle is 171,262.
The lowest serial number I have seen on a matching "VOJ. TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC" rifle is 33,315.
The highest number I have observed on a matching "VOJ.TEH.KRAGUJEVAC" Model 1924 is 246,626. Both this rifle and number 33,315 have the Peter II stock cartouche.
Here is a listing of the Model 1924 rifles and carbines in my collection, which I have been able to catalog with the assistance of information Branko has generously provided. All rifles are original and matching except number 6, a German conversion to the Kar98k side-mounted sling pattern.
ALEXANDER I RIFLES:
1. FN-made M1924, serial # A34580 numbered on the side of the stock just below the receiver ring; Kingdom CXC (Serbs, Croats and Slovenes), Alexander I stock cartouche, only 2 swivels under the stock, straight bolt, narrow lower band, ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC siderail.
2. Kragujevac-made M1924, serial # 171,626 numbered on side of the stock just below the receiver ring in FN style; Alexander I stock cartouche, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, only 2 sling swivels both under the stock, straight bolt, narrow lower band, ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC siderail.
PETER II (REGENCY) RIFLES:
3. Kragujevac M1924, serial # 33,315 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; crown over Peter II stock cartouche, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia” on left side of receiver, 4 sling swivels on lower and side positions, straight bolt, wide lower band with fixed side sling loop in Vz.23 style, side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
4. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II; serial # 168,113 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 4 swivels as number 3 above, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; wide lower band as number 3 above, VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
5. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II, serial # 176,851 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 4 swivels, as above, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; wide lower band; side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
6. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II, serial # 224,459; (226,937 on straight bolt), “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, straight bolt, converted by German forces during WW II, who added a Kar98k wide lower band notched for use with the M1924 lower band spring. The stock is an un-numbered Alexander I stock which has been cut for a Kar98k side-mounted sling, VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC.
7. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II stock cartouche, serial # 246,626 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 2 lower swivels, straight bolt, narrow Gew 98-style lower band, side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC.
8. Kragujevac M1924CK Chetnik assault carbine, serial # 1822 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; Peter II stock cartouche, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 2 sling swivels under the stock, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; narrow lower band has been installed directly against the upper “H” band; side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC"
I have one as described below:
SERBIAN Model 24 Mauser bolt-action short-rifle #224871 (8x57) mfg. by Kragjuvec post 1933. Excellent condition, with 90% original bluing and all-matching numbers. Bold SERBIAN crest above chamber, MOДЕЛ 1924 below. Bore a bit rough but bright with strong rifling. No cleaning-rod. Buttstock is streaked walnut with very few minor handling-marks, bold cartouche of King Petar II stamped on right side. You can see a picture at http://www.empirearms.com/224871.jpg.
I paid $425 for this in 2004. That might have been a little high the time. However it is all matching and has a pre-war stock, so there is a high degree of originality. When I see something I want, I tend to grab it, even if it is a little high. Better to have something to fill a slot for sure, rather than hoping something better or cheaper may eventually come down the pike, IMHO!
I think you did extremely well on yours pricewise.
At some time I did some research on these and came up with the following information, which I quote below. Forgive me for not giving proper credit for this information, but I don't remember where I originally found it. Hope you find this helpful/interesting.
Jim
"The highest serial number I have seen for a matching "ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC" rifle is 171,262.
The lowest serial number I have seen on a matching "VOJ. TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC" rifle is 33,315.
The highest number I have observed on a matching "VOJ.TEH.KRAGUJEVAC" Model 1924 is 246,626. Both this rifle and number 33,315 have the Peter II stock cartouche.
Here is a listing of the Model 1924 rifles and carbines in my collection, which I have been able to catalog with the assistance of information Branko has generously provided. All rifles are original and matching except number 6, a German conversion to the Kar98k side-mounted sling pattern.
ALEXANDER I RIFLES:
1. FN-made M1924, serial # A34580 numbered on the side of the stock just below the receiver ring; Kingdom CXC (Serbs, Croats and Slovenes), Alexander I stock cartouche, only 2 swivels under the stock, straight bolt, narrow lower band, ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC siderail.
2. Kragujevac-made M1924, serial # 171,626 numbered on side of the stock just below the receiver ring in FN style; Alexander I stock cartouche, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, only 2 sling swivels both under the stock, straight bolt, narrow lower band, ART TEH ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC siderail.
PETER II (REGENCY) RIFLES:
3. Kragujevac M1924, serial # 33,315 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; crown over Peter II stock cartouche, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia” on left side of receiver, 4 sling swivels on lower and side positions, straight bolt, wide lower band with fixed side sling loop in Vz.23 style, side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
4. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II; serial # 168,113 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 4 swivels as number 3 above, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; wide lower band as number 3 above, VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
5. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II, serial # 176,851 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 4 swivels, as above, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; wide lower band; side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC
6. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II, serial # 224,459; (226,937 on straight bolt), “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, straight bolt, converted by German forces during WW II, who added a Kar98k wide lower band notched for use with the M1924 lower band spring. The stock is an un-numbered Alexander I stock which has been cut for a Kar98k side-mounted sling, VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC.
7. Kragujevac M1924, Peter II stock cartouche, serial # 246,626 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 2 lower swivels, straight bolt, narrow Gew 98-style lower band, side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC.
8. Kragujevac M1924CK Chetnik assault carbine, serial # 1822 on left side of butt just above and parallel to the buttplate; Peter II stock cartouche, “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”, 2 sling swivels under the stock, curved bolt, stock notched under bolt to accept the curve of the handle; narrow lower band has been installed directly against the upper “H” band; side rail: VOJ.TEH. ZAVOD KRAGUJEVAC"
-
Luthierseye
- Posts: 168
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 5:31 am
- Location: Atlanta
Re: I got to it before the Commies
A rare beauty!! 


