Time to show a descendent of the Russian SKS-45 that saw some action. Following the expulsion of the French from Indochina in 1954, and Ho Chi MInh's inability to lock up control of both the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North) and the State of Vietnam (south), the Second Indochina War broke out in 1959. Minh's connections with Communist China secured a supply of arms, and among those weapons was the Russian influenced Chinese Type-56 SKS. Then from 1962 through 1965, North Vietnam produced (or procured) their own copy of the Samozaryadnyj Karabin sistemy Simonova, the Type-1 NVA.
The Type-1 is most easily recognized by its serial number and factory arsenal stamp. The first two numbers of the serial represent the year of manufacture, and the Arsenal stamp is a star with the number 1 inside. Serial number records of those found today in the US would suggest that production was extremely limited, and that approximately 13,000 units were manufactured over four years. Some theories would suggest that the Type-1 was manufactured in China. And honestly, I cannot refute that claim, as I have studied each component of the gun against early 1960's Chinese guns, and can find no differences in physical appearance or manufacturing tooling process. Mine is a 1964.
All parts are stamped matching, except the gas piston which is electropenciled. The stock is similar to early Chinese, and appears to be birch or similar hardwood. The rear swivel is a side mount, and the entire serial number is stamped close to the rear swivel. The sling is of North Korean AK-47 style construction.
The purchase of this gun was years in the making. It's the type of firearm that one must usually know who has it, and keep in touch with the owner, to know when and how much will be needed to secure the purchase. Very few ever show up in the wild. I was fortunate that the former owner found a papered specimen, and was willing to part this fine example of the Type-1. Hope you all enjoy, and thanks for looking.