^Lot 1126 FULLY TRANSFERABLE, VIETNAM ERA, CHINESE TYPE

56 "SPIKER" AK-47 VARIANT WITH MILLED RECEIVER. Cal. 7.62x39mm. S# IJ2377. Bbl. 16". Chinese Type 56 AK-47 variant. Heavy, milled receiver marked on the trunnion w/ "66" inside the triangle indicating Chinese Arsenal (State Factory) 66 manufacture followed by Chinese lettering translating to "Type 56" before serial number. Most nations in the Warsaw Pact had a licensed copy of the AK-47 and this was China's first example, which starting production in 1956. These very early Arsenal 66 guns were believed to had been manufactured w/ Russian tooling & parts. Threaded muzzle sporting a flush thread protector, forward of the hooded post front sight. This example has a folding spike bayonet, measuring over 11" in length. It locks in position, both extended & folded, where it rests in a slot in the forend, just below the onboard cleaning rod. Dark, stained hardwood furniture, including the forend, pistol grip & shoulder stock w/ trap door, containing capsule cleaning kit. Rear sight marked "D" for battle sight setting & 1-8. Right side of receiver includes Pinyin L & D Selector markings. Left side trunnion marked w/ "77" above triangle 66 state factory mark. Serial number of "12103734" to the right of the Chinese characters for "Type 56". It also includes "IJ2377" below the state factory mark, which was noted in the NFA registry and listed as the current serial number today. NFA registry indicates manufacturer as "Form 2 Registration" & model as "AKM". Overall appearance is identical to numerous Vietnam "Bring-Backs" we have handled over the years. MAGS: 1 Unmarked, 40 rd steel mag. CONDITION: Several small parts still retain portions of the original serial number, (often 03734) and appear to be correct, matching numbered parts, including top cover, bolt, bolt carrier & recoil spring guide. Finish worn to a proper gray on receiver, thinnest on high spots and in areas of mechanical intervention. Barrel retains a little more finish. Wood is dark, having earned expected heavy impressions & gouges, while retaining structural integrity. Left side sling swivels sport heavily stained, tan canvas sling. Bore is surprisingly bright, retaining strong rifling. Fire control mechanism appears to function correctly when cycled by hand. PROVENANCE: Military Museum Collection of Shooters Outpost, Hooksett NH. NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE. (03-2184/JZ). CURIO CLASS III. $80,000-120,000.