This is another example of an absolutely, like new early post war Model 49 semi-automatic rifle as produced the FN factory in Herstal Belgium for the country of Venezuela. The design work for this rifle actually started in 1941, however, it was not until after WWII that it was actually put into production starting in 1948 that eventually culminated in the first successful attempt by FNH to produce a semi-automatic rifle. There were a total of approximately 8,000 of these Venezuelan contract rifles produced in two order with this rifle being manufactured in the second order. The top of the receiver is stamped with the "Venezuelan Crest" and the right side of the receiver marked" "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D' ARMES DE GUERRE_HERSTAL BELGIQUE" followed by serial number, "5643" which is also stamped on the action cover. The left side of the receiver ring has the correct Belgium Crown/Script letter and Perron factory proofs. The left side of the receiver has the milled dovetail slot that was intended for a sniper scope base; however, FN never produced a sniper version for Venezuela. It is fitted with a walnut pistol grip stock with a two-piece top handguard. The buttstock has two cartouches, a small circular cartouche is stamped in front of the trigger guard that has the intertwined letters "LR" inside with a second larger circular on the right side of the buttstock that is marked " FUERZAS ARMADAS VENEZUELA". It is also fitted with the correct second pattern trigger guard with the smaller lock screws. It still retains its original six-slotted flash hider and a ten shot box magazine.

Excellent with 99% of the original black painted exterior finish overall with only a hint of edge and high spot wear. The metal components are also still packed in an old preservative grease. The stock and handguards are all in near new condition with a slightly medium/darker walnut color overall showing some very minor handling marks. The cartouches clear, crisp and deep. Another really high condition FN 49 Venezuelan contract rifle.