Patterned directly after the Russian SKS Carbine, the Chinese Type 56 (one of multiple Chinese weapons with the "56" designation) was the primary infantry weapon of the People's Liberation Army for decades, with many finding their way into the hands of NVA troops and Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. Post front and tangent rear sights, with the "26" factory mark on the receiver, matching numbers on multiple components apart from the bolt cover (numbered "28164"), folding spike bayonet, rope sling, and a flat steel buttplate. The included 1971 capture papers list the owner as Richard Farrell of the 864th Engineer Battalion.

Very good, retains 30% original blue finish, showing a slight tint of a plum brown patina with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some very light surface pitting. The wood is fine with some minor dings and scratches apart from the battle damage on the right hand side which includes a large crack and channel that runs from the reinforcing bolt at the front of the magazine to the front of the trigger guard. Mechanically fine.