Starting work in 1959, the North Vietnamese constructed a factory for the production and overhaul of small arms north of Hanoi, with assistance provided from the Chinese No.296 arms factory, which began operation in 1962. From then to 1965 the factory produced roughly 6,000 SKS-45 pattern semi-automatic rifles for the North Vietnamese Army, before the facility was destroyed by U.S.A.F. strategic bombing. The small production numbers during that period make North Vietnamese produced SKS rifles the rarest variant of the classic Soviet design, made even more so by the fact that the only examples in the United States made their way in as war trophies. This example was manufactured in 1963, as indicated by the first two digits of the serial number. Features hooded post front and adjustable tangent rear sights, "star 1" mark on the left of the receiver, and folding knife bayonet. With matching serial numbers on the bolt, bolt carrier, dust cover, and trigger housing. Fitted with smooth oiled birch handguard and stock, with partially visible matching serial number on the butt and a trapdoor metal buttplate (sans door plate). Includes a web sling.

Fair, displayed wear and tear expected from a North Vietnamese battle used SKS, later captured and likely brought stateside as a war trophy, with pitting, rust oxidation, brown patina, and dried varnish. The stock is also fair as heavily sanded and varnished, with numerous scuffs and minor cracks. Mechanically fine.