Manufactured in China at Factory #26, this Type 56 Carbine was brought back from Vietnam by Petty Officer (E5) Michael C. Ryan. Per statements given directly by him, he came into possession of this carbine while as a Seabee supporting the Marines located near the border between North and South Vietnam. Additionally, he states that the carbine is in the exact condition it was when he brought it back to the States, including the original packing list taped to the buttstock and the old field repairs in the stock that were present when he got it (the North Vietnamese were not in the habit of throwing away firearms just because they got beat up). Post and tangent sights, with a folding spike bayonet, standard receiver markings. A canvas sling and a steel buttplate. Included with the carbine are a number of photographs of and by Ryan in the field, a 1971 dated Republic of Vietnam export license and a pair of 1970 dated U.S. Army export licenses, all made out for a "Chicom 56", numbered to match this carbine

Fair, but what would one expect by the standards of a weapon treated roughly in jungle warfare. Much of the surface has turned a mixed brown and gray patina, with notable pitting on the bolt carrier and scattered wear. The stock has a mended break through the recoil bolt, with a number of scuffs and dents. Mechanically fine.