*Chinese, Type 56 Assault Rifle (AK Pattern), State Factory 66, 五六式, Under-Folding Stock, with Canvas Carrier, Deactivated*
A highly evocative Chinese Type 56 (五六式) assault rifle, serial number 16031611, manufactured at State Factory △66, chambered for 7.62×39mm, and fitted with the distinctive Chinese under-folding steel stock. This example is accompanied by its London Proof House Deactivation Certificate dated 15 January 2014, together with a green canvas rifle carrier bearing ink factory-style inspection stamps.
The left side of the receiver is clearly marked with the triangle 66 arsenal code, the designation 56-式, and serial number 16031611, confirming Chinese state military production rather than later commercial export manufacture. Selector markings 连 (full automatic) and 单 (semi-automatic) remain sharp and legible.
The rifle retains hardwood pistol grip and matching wooden upper and lower handguards showing honest service wear and patina. The hooded front sight, threaded muzzle, and correct under-folding stock assembly are present. The rear sight retains crisp graduated markings. A correct Chinese-pattern curved steel 30-round magazine accompanies the rifle.
Also included is a green canvas Chinese-pattern rifle bag with visible ink inspection stamps.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 43 cm (17 inches). Overall length: 63.5 cm (stock folded).
Historical Note:
Following the development and adoption of the AK-47, the Soviet Union shared its small-arms technology with allied states. In 1955, the People’s Republic of China entered into cooperation with the USSR, leading to licensed and assisted production of Kalashnikov rifles and the SKS carbine. Chinese production formally began in 1956, with the AK variant designated the Type 56 (五六式) and the SKS clone designated the Type 56 Carbine.
Early Type 56 rifles closely followed the Soviet AK-47 Type 3, featuring milled receivers and heavy barrels, with initial production believed to have commenced at State Factory 66 using Soviet tooling and technical assistance. These early rifles were produced in relatively small numbers before mass production expanded from 1958 onwards, with multiple state-run factories contributing components. Factory numbers were deliberately concealed using numerical and geometric codes, with triangle codes indicating military production.
As Sino-Soviet relations deteriorated in the late 1950s, China was not formally licensed to produce the later AKM. Instead, Chinese engineers reverse-engineered the design, eventually transitioning to stamped-receiver rifles between the late 1960s and early 1970s. Notably, Chinese stamped receivers were typically produced from thicker 1.5 mm sheet steel, paired with heavier barrels and distinctive rivet patterns.
The Type 56 served as the standard infantry rifle of the People’s Liberation Army well into the late 20th century and was exported extensively across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It saw widespread use during the Vietnam War, numerous Cold War proxy conflicts, and later regional wars including Afghanistan, the Iran–Iraq War, and conflicts throughout Africa and Southeast Asia.
*Condition*
The bolt and trigger are fixed and non-operational in accordance with the deactivation standard applied at that time. The original certificate accompanies the rifle. Retaining good overall external condition with even finish to the metalwork and expected light service wear. Markings remain clear and well-defined. The wooden furniture shows honest handling marks but is structurally sound. The under-folding stock locks into position correctly in both extended and folded positions (non-functional as a firing arm) but is very stiff. The canvas carrier is in excellent condition and has ink inspection-style markings. A strong, complete military-production Type 56 example from a key early state arsenal. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Deactivated and certified by the London Proof House, Certificate No. DA 52364, dated 15 January 2014.
