Norinco SKS Type 56 - C&R Eligible - Vietnam Era Issued Date - Matching Serial Numbers - Stock Damage but Repaired - Trench Art Marking. It has been cleaned and test fired. This is an Chinese made (Vietnam-Era) Norinco Type 56 semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm. It is Curio and Relic eligible. At some point in the past 50 years or so this weapon was exported from China into an eastern block country for military service, before being eventually imported into the United States. The rifle comes with the traditional folding bayonet but no sling or other accessories. The results of my inspection are as follows: The rifle itself was stored in very heavy Cosmoline, so upon receipt I took it down completely, carefully removed the Cosmoline, refinished and stabilized the stock, which had a prior service-life peg type repair to a significant crack. The stock reconditioning was performed to verify the integrity of the wood, and to ensure the removal of the Cosmoline and to provide protection against future wear. The bore is clean and has no obvious pitting or other issues. However, there is pitting around the bottom of the receiver and with the trigger pack at the wood-line, but the pitting was previously stabilized. On the stock, as noted above it was repaired during the rifle's service life. The historic repair, while somewhat utilitarian, was robust and has no effect on the function of the weapon. It does not flex or rattle, and there is no sign of further degradation, etc. On the underside of the stock there is some very obvious trench art. It appears to possibly be a personal or unit name cut into the wood. After inspection the firearm was lubricated, reassembled, function tested and then test fired. During firing I experienced no operational or feeding issues, and the rifle was fairly accurate and fully functional. The gas system appears to be operating well, the bolt has signs of prior pitting but is in operational condition, and the firing pin is properly and freely moving. Overall my take on this weapon is that this rifle has "good bones" despite the obvious heavy use. It would make a good shooter, or a fine addition to a collection of Vietnam-era weapons which saw some real-world service use.