An export/commercial variant of the Colt M16 rifle, the base configuration of the Model 639 included a short barrel fitted with a special sound moderator/flash hider designed to alter the report of the carbine, to make it unrecognizable to forces familiar with standard M16/AR15 family rifles; while not a true silencer, the moderator was close enough for regulatory purposes to require a second tax stamp, and on this example it has been replaced with an A4 pattern upper with a closed-bottom bird cage flash hider, "1/7" twist rate marking, bayonet lug, ribbed round handguard and a detachable rear sight/carry handle assembly. The lower has the "COLT/AR-15" logo on the left side of the magazine well over "MOD.639/CAL. 5.56MM./4790061", and the Colt Firearms Division address is stamped near the right handed "SAFE/SEMI/AUTO" selector switch. It is fitted with a checkered pistol grip and a two-position telescoping buttstock. Includes a plastic hard case. Magazine absent. Provenance: From the collection of Mitchell L. WerBell III.

Very fine as reconfigured to carbine configuration, with 95% of the matte finish, showing a darker tone on the upper and a lighter gray on the lower, with scattered mild handling/cycling wear, and some scratches around the castle nut. Some of the ribbing has been cut flush on the upper left side of the handguard (possibly for installation of a momentary switch), otherwise the furniture is very good, with mild scuffs and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: From the collection of Mitchell L. WerBell III. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.