This is an extremely rare and very historic model EXP-1/SLEM prototype rifle that was manufactured by FN factory in Herstal Belgium most likely in late 1945/early 1946. This specific rifle was actually a follow on to the 1937 Prototype semi-automatic rifle developed by the senior FN engineer Dieudonne Saive in pre-war Belgium. In 1941, after the invasion of Belgium, Monsieur Saive escaped to England and carried with him his original semi-automatic rifle design that he continued to work on at Enfield Lock, with the cooperation of the British Government. That design eventually evolved into this model, the EXP-1/SLEM or Self Loading Experimental Model. This was such a significant and extremely robust rifle design that it eventually evolved into both the FN 49 rifle as used by Belgium and later into the world famous FN-FAL rifle used by both numerous countries throughout the free world. This included both Belgium (FN-LAR) and England as the L1A1. To date it is estimated that the FN-FAL design is or has been used by over 40 countries in the world, and is still considered as one of the greatest battle rifles developed. Even the U.S. Government tested it in the late 1958 as the "T-48" model against the SA M14 rifle. This rare EXP-1 rifle (serial number 47) is one of approximately 50 manufactured with the few surviving examples being in museums today. Some of the most notable features of this EXP-1 model as compared to the Model 1937 or FN-49 are: 1) a five round internal magazine loaded via stripper clips through the top, 2) crossbolt safety at the rear of the trigger guard, 3) easily removed top (with a rear locking latch) to easy of field stripping, 4) receiver cover plate, 5) rear handguard only (no front handguard), 6) full length gas cylinder tube, 7) plain muzzle with no threads or muzzle break, 8) cocking indicator on the trigger guard, 9) adjustable gas system 10) tangent rear sight with a open notch. In addition this is a very late design in that it "does not" have a gas escape hole on the right side as seen on the earlier model. It is fitted with a dark walnut stock that is identical to the later FN 49 rifles. As noted the receiver is numbered "47" and it has matching serial numbers on the top cover, bolt and bolt carrier, rear sight assembly, front barrel band/bayonet lug, and adjustable gas plug, with the remaining original parts being unnumbered. It comes with one nickel plated stripper clip and a British proofed web sling.

Extremely fine with 95% of the dark matte blued type finish with only minor edge and high spot wear. The internal components are all still in the white. The walnut stock is also in very fine condition with its nice dark brown color overall showing only minor handling marks and light scratches in some areas. This is really a historically significant rifle and is the only one we have ever offered for sale so don’t miss out! Perfect for any early military semi-automatic rifle or museum collection.