This is an absolutely, like new early post war Model 49 semi-automatic rifle as produced under a Venezuelan contract by the FN factory in Herstal Belgium. 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 became the first successful attempt by FN to produce a semi-automatic rifle after WWII. There were a total of approximately 8000 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" with the right side of the receiver marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D' ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE" followed by serial number, "5628" 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 rare milled dovetail slot for the sniper scope base (the complete base, mount and scope are not included). It is fitted with the two-piece top handguard and the second pattern trigger guard with the smaller lock screws. It is fitted with a walnut pistol grip stock and handguard with deep finger grooves on the side of the forestock with a stamped ribbed buttplate. The buttstock has two cartouches, the smaller "LR" cartouche is stamped in front of the trigger guard with a larger circular "FUERZAS ARMADAS VENEZUELA" on the right side of the buttstock. It still retains its original six-slotted flash hider the ten shot box magazine.

Excellent plus with 99% of the original factory black painted finish overall showing no wear with most of the metal parts still covered with an old preservative grease. The stock and handguard are both in like new condition also showing no handling marks having never been oiled with clear, deep cartouches.