Hong Kong Freed (sorta) -- Chiang Kai-Shek Mauser

On 16 September 1945, the British formally accepted the Japanese surrender in Hong Kong, bringing an official end to an enemy occupation that had lasted over three and a half years. While the people of Hong Kong were not freed of colonial rule (they remained a colony / dependent territory of the UK), the city once again flourished and quickly became a hub of international finance and trade.

Even as larger China descended into civil war – followed by brutal communist purges and horrific famines brought on by incompetent social and economic management – Hong Kong remained a shining light of relative freedom and prosperity. This brought many residents to adopt a Hong Kong identity that differentiates them from mainland China still today.

But always waiting eagerly at the door was The People’s Republic of China (PRC), who finally received control of Hong Kong on 01 July 1997, with the understanding they would maintain many of the unique freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong citizens for at least 50 years.

The pictured rifle is a Type 24 Mauser, also known as a Chiang Kai-shek Mauser, named for the famous Nationalist Chinese leader. It was produced in China and is of the standard Mauser pattern. First produced in 1935 these rifles saw hard service with both Nationalist and Communist forces during the fighting against the Japanese, as well as against one another during the civil war. They also popped up in Korea in the hands of People’s Liberation Army (PLAN) Soldiers, as well as Vietnam in the hands of the VC.

Made in 1945 this rifle likely was only a year old when China tore itself apart in its renewed fight between the temporarily (and only partially) unified Nationalists and Communists. It is in incredibly rough shape, and shows that it was used hard and badly cared for by the ultimately victorious ChiComs.

What makes this rifle particularly interesting is the rough markings cut into the receiver, as well as a brass and nail wrist repair. The marks are the Chinese characters that denote Shenzhen, a major city immediately North of Hong Kong. This rifle likely lived out the last years of its service life as a militia / reserve weapon maintained by the cities communist leadership.

Shenzhen is also where the modern-day PRC and PLAN are massing troops and armed police in possible preparation to crush any continued protests for democracy / continued freedom / independence in Hong Kong. Freedom loving people around the globe, regardless of political stripe, should recognize and support the bravery of the millions of Hong-Kongers who are standing up for their basic human rights that the PRC is trying to take away.