Manufactured in China at Factory 26, this Type 56 Carbine was one of many to be sent South during the Vietnam war by the Chinese as aid to the communist North Vietnamese, and such carbines were used extensively throughout the conflict. According to the included DD Form 603 war trophy registration paperwork, dated April 8, 1969, this carbine was claimed by E-5 Gary L. Swanson of the Military Sea Transportation Service Office, Vietnam (MSTSOV) at the Commander, Naval Forces Vietnam (COMNAVFORV) station in Saigon, South Vietnam. The date on the paperwork falls just a few months after the end of the Tet Offensive, during which the city of Saigon was a primary target for the North Vietnamese. While not explicitly documented, it may have been taken as a trophy from the Tet Offensive. Features a hooded post front and tangent rear sights, with standard receiver markings, and a folding blade bayonet. The bolt, floorplate, and trigger guard, have matching serial numbers to the rifle. An included customs document, dated April 8, 1969, also lists a French MAS-36 rifle as another trophy taken by Gary L. Swanson, featured in the following lot.

Fine, retaining 90% arsenal refurbished blue finish with light handling marks and slight spotting on the gas block, front sight, and bayonet. The lacquered stock is also fine with light handling marks and inconsistencies in the finish. Mechanically excellent.