Here is the compilation of the import stamps I can find on the Albanian model 561. I'm sure more of them are out there as we know that these were brought in in the early 2000's and a small batch was also brought in during the late 2000's. Click on any image to enlarge.
If you have an Alby import stamp that isn't shown here, please post up a photo and I'll add it here. thumb1
- TG, Tennessee Guns out of Knoxville, Tennessee:
SKS GRAMSH ALBANIA 7.62X39 TG KNOX. TN.
(http://sks-files.com/Pictures/Albanian/import_stamps/TG_KNOX_TN.jpg)
Type: Pin Punch
Location: Under Barrel between FSB and gas block.
Notes: Date unknown but it looks like an early stamping (compared to the later TGI pin punch dot matrix stamp).
This was the stamp on the '71 Albanian Model 561 that I sold. It looks like it was done by hand. (check out the "ALBANIA" especially) My '69 Alby looks like it was done by a machine, like the #1 picture. Same placement on the barrel.
(http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b436/firstchoice14/Albanian%20Model%20561%20SKS%20Rifles/1971%20Albanian%20Model%20561%20SKS/2014-07-22%20Albanian%20SKS%201971%20Manufacture--with%20extra%20stock%20sets%20005_zpsoosxdgdo.jpg)
(http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b436/firstchoice14/Albanian%20Model%20561%20SKS%20Rifles/1971%20Albanian%20Model%20561%20SKS/2014-07-22%20Albanian%20SKS%201971%20Manufacture--with%20extra%20stock%20sets%20006_zpszqjxtvim.jpg)
I don't have it anymore, or I'd take a better pic for you, RM.
firstchoice
Firstchoice; My first post after joining Dec 2019. Unless i am wrong, the only importer was TGI. I have 3 - Albanians (all 78 production year). Gunbroker (Capital12) has Alby ammo pouches for sale. I'm still looking for original slings to replace my Chinese 56 type. Otherwise, all my three have ammo pouches, cleaning kits and oil bottles.